Digital broadcasting system and method of processing data in the digital broadcasting system

ABSTRACT

A digital broadcast system and data processing method therein are disclosed. A receiving system of the digital broadcast system includes a baseband processor, a table handler, a DSM-CC handler, and a display module. The baseband processor receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data. The mobile service data configures an RS frame, and the RS frame includes the mobile service data, DSM-CC (digital storage media-command and control) data and a table describing at least one channel configuration information on the mobile service data and signaling information of the DSM-CC data. The table handler extracts the at least one channel configuration information on the mobile service data and the signaling information of the DSM-CC data by parsing the table from the RS frame. The DSM-CC handler parses the DSM-CC data from the RS frame based on the extracted signaling information of the DSM-CC data. The DSM-CC handler stores the parsed DSM-CC data. The DSM-CC handler extracts a download estimated time from the DSM-CC data, and outputs the extracted download estimated time. The display module displays the download estimated time of the DSM-CC data outputted from the DSM-CC handler on a prescribed portion of a screen.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/957,714, filed on Aug. 24, 2007, U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/974,084, filed on Sep. 21, 2007, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/977,379, filed on Oct. 4, 2007,U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/044,504 filed on Apr. 13,2008, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/076,686, filed on Jun.29, 2008 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2008-0082458, filed onAug. 22, 2008, which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fullyset forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field

The present invention relates to a digital broadcasting system and amethod of processing data in a digital broadcasting system fortransmitting and receiving digital broadcast signals.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

The Vestigial Sideband (VSB) transmission mode, which is adopted as thestandard for digital broadcasting in North America and the Republic ofKorea, is a system using a single carrier method. Therefore, thereceiving performance of the digital broadcast receiving system may bedeteriorated in a poor channel environment. Particularly, sinceresistance to changes in channels and noise is more highly required whenusing portable and/or mobile broadcast receivers, the receivingperformance may be even more deteriorated when transmitting mobileservice data by the VSB transmission mode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a digitalbroadcasting system and a data processing method that are highlyresistant to channel changes and noise.

Other object of the present invention is to provide a digital broadcastsystem and data processing method therein, by which a download contentfor another mobile data broadcast service can be transmitted/receivedvia DSM-CC (digital storage media-command and control) protocol.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a digitalbroadcast system and data processing method therein, by which a user canbe informed of a download predicted time of a download content receivedvia DSM-CC protocol.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with thepurpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, areceiving system according to the present invention includes a basebandprocessor, a table handler, a DSM-CC handler, and a display module. Thebaseband processor receives a broadcast signal including mobile servicedata and main service data. The mobile service data configures an RSframe, and the RS frame includes the mobile service data, DSM-CC(digital storage media-command and control) data and a table describingat least one channel configuration information on the mobile servicedata and signaling information of the DSM-CC data. The table handlerextracts the at least one channel configuration information on themobile service data and the signaling information of the DSM-CC data byparsing the table from the RS frame. The DSM-CC handler parses theDSM-CC data from the RS frame based on the extracted signalinginformation of the DSM-CC data. The DSM-CC handler stores the parsedDSM-CC data. The DSM-CC handler extracts a download estimated time fromthe DSM-CC data, and outputs the extracted download estimated time. Thedisplay module displays the download estimated time of the DSM-CC dataoutputted from the DSM-CC handler on a prescribed portion of a screen.

At least one data group configuring the RS frame includes a plurality ofknown data sequences, a signaling information area is included between afirst known data sequence and a second known data sequence among aplurality of the known data sequences, and the signaling informationarea includes transmission parameter channel (TPC) signaling and fastinformation channel (FIC) signaling.

The baseband processor further includes a known data detecting unitdetecting the known data sequence included in the data group and thedetected known data sequence is used for demodulation of the mobileservice data and channel equalization.

The signaling information includes at least one selected from the groupconsisting of stream type information, data broadcast identificationinformation, carousel identification information, applicationidentification information, transaction identification information, DSI(DownloadServerInitiate) time-out information and DII(DownloadInfoIndication) time-out information.

The DSM-CC handler parses a DSI (DownloadServerInitiate) messagedelivering information on a DSM-CC group from the DSM-CC data and thenextracts a download estimated time of a corresponding DSM-CC group fromthe parsed DSI message.

The DSM-CC handler parses a DII (DownloadServerIndication) messagedelivering information on a DSM-CC module from the DSM-CC data and thenextracts a download estimated time of a corresponding DSM-CC module fromthe parsed DII message.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method of processing datain a receiving system includes the steps of receiving a broadcast signalincluding mobile service data and main service data, the mobile servicedata configuring an RS frame, the RS frame including the mobile servicedata, DSM-CC (digital storage media-command and control) data and atable describing at least one channel configuration information on themobile service data and signaling information of the DSM-CC data,extracting the at least one channel configuration information on themobile service data and the signaling information of the DSM-CC data byparsing the table from the RS frame, parsing the DSM-CC data from the RSframe based on the extracted signaling information of the DSM-CC data,storing the parsed DSM-CC data, extracting a download estimated timefrom the DSM-CC data, outputting the extracted download estimated time,and displaying the download estimated time of the DSM-CC data on aprescribed portion of a screen.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention may berealized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in thewritten description as well as the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram showing a general structure of adigital broadcasting receiving system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary structure of a data group according tothe present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an RS frame according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an MH frame structure for transmittingand receiving mobile service data according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a general VSB frame structure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a example of mapping positions of the first 4 slotsof a sub-frame in a spatial area with respect to a VSB frame;

FIG. 7 illustrates a example of mapping positions of the first 4 slotsof a sub-frame in a chronological (or time) area with respect to a VSBframe;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary order of data groups being assigned toone of 5 sub-frames configuring an MH frame according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a single parade being assigned to an MHframe according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of 3 parades being assigned to an MHframe according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of the process of assigning 3 paradesshown in FIG. 10 being expanded to 5 sub-frames within an MH frame;

FIG. 12 illustrates a data transmission structure according to anembodiment of the present invention, wherein signaling data are includedin a data group so as to be transmitted;

FIG. 13 illustrates a hierarchical signaling structure according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary FIC body format according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure withrespect to an FIC segment according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure withrespect to a payload of an FIC segment according to the presentinvention, when an FIC type field value is equal to ‘0’;

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of aservice map table according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHaudio descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHRTP payload type descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHcurrent event descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHnext event descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHsystem time descriptor according to the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates segmentation and encapsulation processes of aservice map table according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a flow chart for accessing a virtual channel usingFIC and SMT according to the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an EMTaccording to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of an encoding process for data/objectcarousel transmission according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 27 is a diagram of a protocol stack in case of transmitting DSM-CCdata based on IP according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a diagram of an example for representing ‘combinationservice’ on service_type field of SMT according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 29 is a diagram of an example for representing ‘DSM-CC datadelivery’ on RTP_payload_type field according to the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a data broadcastdescriptor Data_Braodcast_Descriptor( ) according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 31 is a diagram of a one-layer data carousel structure according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a diagram of a two-layer data carousel structure according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a download timedescriptor according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a CRC descriptoraccording to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a compresseddescriptor according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for a method of receiving a DSM-CC downloadcontent according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a diagram of a example for displaying a download predictedtime of a DSM-CC download content on a prescribed area of a screenaccording to the present invention; and

FIG. 38 is a block diagram of a receiving system according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present inventionwill be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. At thistime, it is to be understood that the following detailed description ofthe present invention illustrated in the drawings and described withreference to the drawings are exemplary and explanatory and technicalspirits of the present invention and main features and operation of thepresent invention will not be limited by the following detaileddescription.

DEFINITION OF THE TERMS USED IN THE PRESENT INVENTION

Although general terms, which are widely used considering functions inthe present invention, have been selected in the present invention, theymay be changed depending on intention of those skilled in the art,practices, or new technology. Also, in specific case, the applicant mayoptionally select the terms. In this case, the meaning of the terms willbe described in detail in the description part of the invention.Therefore, it is to be understood that the terms should be defined basedupon their meaning not their simple title and the whole description ofthe present invention.

Among the terms used in the description of the present invention, mainservice data correspond to data that can be received by a fixedreceiving system and may include audio/video (A/V) data. Morespecifically, the main service data may include A/V data of highdefinition (HD) or standard definition (SD) levels and may also includediverse data types required for data broadcasting. Also, the known datacorrespond to data pre-known in accordance with a pre-arranged agreementbetween the receiving system and the transmitting system.

Additionally, among the terms used in the present invention, “MH”corresponds to the initials of “mobile” and “handheld” and representsthe opposite concept of a fixed-type system. Furthermore, the MH servicedata may include at least one of mobile service data and handheldservice data, and will also be referred to as “mobile service data” forsimplicity. Herein, the mobile service data not only correspond to MHservice data but may also include any type of service data with mobileor portable characteristics. Therefore, the mobile service dataaccording to the present invention are not limited only to the MHservice data.

The above-described mobile service data may correspond to data havinginformation, such as program execution files, stock information, and soon, and may also correspond to A/V data. Most particularly, the mobileservice data may correspond to A/V data having lower resolution andlower data rate as compared to the main service data. For example, if anA/V codec that is used for a conventional main service corresponds to aMPEG-2 codec, a MPEG-4 advanced video coding (AVC) or scalable videocoding (SVC) having better image compression efficiency may be used asthe A/V codec for the mobile service. Furthermore, any type of data maybe transmitted as the mobile service data. For example, transportprotocol expert group (TPEG) data for broadcasting real-timetransportation information may be transmitted as the main service data.

Also, a data service using the mobile service data may include weatherforecast services, traffic information services, stock informationservices, viewer participation quiz programs, real-time polls andsurveys, interactive education broadcast programs, gaming services,services providing information on synopsis, character, background music,and filming sites of soap operas or series, services providinginformation on past match scores and player profiles and achievements,and services providing information on product information and programsclassified by service, medium, time, and theme enabling purchase ordersto be processed. Herein, the present invention is not limited only tothe services mentioned above.

In the present invention, the transmitting system provides backwardcompatibility in the main service data so as to be received by theconventional receiving system. Herein, the main service data and themobile service data are multiplexed to the same physical channel andthen transmitted.

Furthermore, the transmitting system according to the present inventionperforms additional encoding on the mobile service data and inserts thedata already known by the receiving system and transmitting system(e.g., known data), thereby transmitting the processed data.

Therefore, when using the transmitting system according to the presentinvention, the receiving system may receive the mobile service dataduring a mobile state and may also receive the mobile service data withstability despite various distortion and noise occurring within thechannel.

Receiving System

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram showing a general structure of areceiving system according to an embodiment of the present invention.The receiving system according to the present invention includes abaseband processor 100, a management processor 200, and a presentationprocessor 300.

The baseband processor 100 includes an operation controller 110, a tuner120, a demodulator 130, an equalizer 140, a known sequence detector (orknown data detector) 150, a block decoder (or mobile handheld blockdecoder) 160, a primary Reed-Solomon (RS) frame decoder 170, a secondaryRS frame decoder 180, and a signaling decoder 190.

The operation controller 110 controls the operation of each blockincluded in the baseband processor 100.

By tuning the receiving system to a specific physical channel frequency,the tuner 120 enables the receiving system to receive main service data,which correspond to broadcast signals for fixed-type broadcast receivingsystems, and mobile service data, which correspond to broadcast signalsfor mobile broadcast receiving systems. At this point, the tunedfrequency of the specific physical channel is down-converted to anintermediate frequency (IF) signal, thereby being outputted to thedemodulator 130 and the known sequence detector 140. The passbanddigital IF signal being outputted from the tuner 120 may only includemain service data, or only include mobile service data, or include bothmain service data and mobile service data.

The demodulator 130 performs self-gain control, carrier recovery, andtiming recovery processes on the passband digital IF signal inputtedfrom the tuner 120, thereby translating the IF signal to a basebandsignal. Then, the demodulator 130 outputs the baseband signal to theequalizer 140 and the known sequence detector 150. The demodulator 130uses the known data symbol sequence inputted from the known sequencedetector 150 during the timing and/or carrier recovery, therebyenhancing the demodulating performance.

The equalizer 140 compensates channel-associated distortion included inthe signal demodulated by the demodulator 130. Then, the equalizer 140outputs the distortion-compensated signal to the block decoder 160. Byusing a known data symbol sequence inputted from the known sequencedetector 150, the equalizer 140 may enhance the equalizing performance.Furthermore, the equalizer 140 may receive feed-back on the decodingresult from the block decoder 160, thereby enhancing the equalizingperformance.

The known sequence detector 150 detects known data place (or position)inserted by the transmitting system from the input/output data (i.e.,data prior to being demodulated or data being processed with partialdemodulation). Then, the known sequence detector 150 outputs thedetected known data position information and known data sequencegenerated from the detected position information to the demodulator 130and the equalizer 140. Additionally, in order to allow the block decoder160 to identify the mobile service data that have been processed withadditional encoding by the transmitting system and the main service datathat have not been processed with any additional encoding, the knownsequence detector 150 outputs such corresponding information to theblock decoder 160.

If the data channel-equalized by the equalizer 140 and inputted to theblock decoder 160 correspond to data processed with both block-encodingand trellis-encoding by the transmitting system (i.e., data within theRS frame, signaling data), the block decoder 160 may performtrellis-decoding and block-decoding as inverse processes of thetransmitting system. On the other hand, if the data channel-equalized bythe equalizer 140 and inputted to the block decoder 160 correspond todata processed only with trellis-encoding and not block-encoding by thetransmitting system (i.e., main service data), the block decoder 160 mayperform only trellis-decoding.

The signaling decoder 190 decoded signaling data that have beenchannel-equalized and inputted from the equalizer 140. It is assumedthat the signaling data inputted to the signaling decoder 190 correspondto data processed with both block-encoding and trellis-encoding by thetransmitting system. Examples of such signaling data may includetransmission parameter channel (TPC) data and fast information channel(FIC) data. Each type of data will be described in more detail in alater process. The FIC data decoded by the signaling decoder 190 areoutputted to the FIC handler 215. And, the TPC data decoded by thesignaling decoder 190 are outputted to the TPC handler 214.

Meanwhile, according to the present invention, the transmitting systemuses RS frames by encoding units. Herein, the RS frame may be dividedinto a primary RS frame and a secondary RS frame. However, according tothe embodiment of the present invention, the primary RS frame and thesecondary RS frame will be divided based upon the level of importance ofthe corresponding data.

The primary RS frame decoder 170 receives the data outputted from theblock decoder 160. At this point, according to the embodiment of thepresent invention, the primary RS frame decoder 170 receives only themobile service data that have been Reed-Solomon (RS)-encoded and/orcyclic redundancy check (CRC)-encoded from the block decoder 160.Herein, the primary RS frame decoder 170 receives only the mobileservice data and not the main service data. The primary RS frame decoder170 performs inverse processes of an RS frame encoder (not shown)included in the transmitting system, thereby correcting errors existingwithin the primary RS frame. More specifically, the primary RS framedecoder 170 forms a primary RS frame by grouping a plurality of datagroups and, then, correct errors in primary RS frame units. In otherwords, the primary RS frame decoder 170 decodes primary RS frames, whichare being transmitted for actual broadcast services.

Additionally, the secondary RS frame decoder 180 receives the dataoutputted from the block decoder 160. At this point, according to theembodiment of the present invention, the secondary RS frame decoder 180receives only the mobile service data that have been RS-encoded and/orCRC-encoded from the block decoder 160. Herein, the secondary RS framedecoder 180 receives only the mobile service data and not the mainservice data. The secondary RS frame decoder 180 performs inverseprocesses of an RS frame encoder (not shown) included in thetransmitting system, thereby correcting errors existing within thesecondary RS frame. More specifically, the secondary RS frame decoder180 forms a secondary RS frame by grouping a plurality of data groupsand, then, correct errors in secondary RS frame units. In other words,the secondary RS frame decoder 180 decodes secondary RS frames, whichare being transmitted for mobile audio service data, mobile videoservice data, guide data, and so on.

Meanwhile, the management processor 200 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention includes an MH physical adaptation processor 210,an IP network stack 220, a streaming handler 230, a system information(SI) handler 240, a file handler 250, a multi-purpose internet mainextensions (MIME) type handler 260, and an electronic service guide(ESG) handler 270, and an ESG decoder 280, and a storage unit 290.

The MH physical adaptation processor 210 includes a primary RS framehandler 211, a secondary RS frame handler 212, an MH transport packet(TP) handler 213, a TPC handler 214, an FIC handler 215, and a physicaladaptation control signal handler 216.

The TPC handler 214 receives and processes baseband information requiredby modules corresponding to the MH physical adaptation processor 210.The baseband information is inputted in the form of TPC data. Herein,the TPC handler 214 uses this information to process the FIC data, whichhave been sent from the baseband processor 100.

The TPC data are transmitted from the transmitting system to thereceiving system via a predetermined region of a data group. The TPCdata may include at least one of an MH ensemble ID, an MH sub-framenumber, a total number of MH groups (TNoG), an RS frame continuitycounter, a column size of RS frame (N), and an FIC version number.

Herein, the MH ensemble ID indicates an identification number of each MHensemble carried in the corresponding channel.

The MH sub-frame number signifies a number identifying the MH sub-framenumber in an MH frame, wherein each MH group associated with thecorresponding MH ensemble is transmitted.

The TNoG represents the total number of MH groups including all of theMH groups belonging to all MH parades included in an MH sub-frame.

The RS frame continuity counter indicates a number that serves as acontinuity counter of the RS frames carrying the corresponding MHensemble. Herein, the value of the RS frame continuity counter shall beincremented by 1 modulo 16 for each successive RS frame.

N represents the column size of an RS frame belonging to thecorresponding MH ensemble. Herein, the value of N determines the size ofeach MH TP.

Finally, the FIC version number signifies the version number of an FICcarried on the corresponding physical channel.

As described above, diverse TPC data are inputted to the TPC handler 214via the signaling decoder 190 shown in FIG. 1. Then, the received TPCdata are processed by the TPC handler 214. The received TPC data mayalso be used by the FIC handler 215 in order to process the FIC data.

The FIC handler 215 processes the FIC data by associating the FIC datareceived from the baseband processor 100 with the TPC data.

The physical adaptation control signal handler 216 collects FIC datareceived through the FIC handler 215 and SI data received through RSframes. Then, the physical adaptation control signal handler 216 usesthe collected FIC data and SI data to configure and process IP datagramsand access information of mobile broadcast services. Thereafter, thephysical adaptation control signal handler 216 stores the processed IPdatagrams and access information to the storage unit 290.

The primary RS frame handler 211 identifies primary RS frames receivedfrom the primary RS frame decoder 170 of the baseband processor 100 foreach row unit, so as to configure an MH TP. Thereafter, the primary RSframe handler 211 outputs the configured MH TP to the MH TP handler 213.

The secondary RS frame handler 212 identifies secondary RS framesreceived from the secondary RS frame decoder 180 of the basebandprocessor 100 for each row unit, so as to configure an MH TP.Thereafter, the secondary RS frame handler 212 outputs the configured MHTP to the MH TP handler 213.

The MH transport packet (TP) handler 213 extracts a header from each MHTP received from the primary RS frame handler 211 and the secondary RSframe handler 212, thereby determining the data included in thecorresponding MH TP. Then, when the determined data correspond to SIdata (i.e., SI data that are not encapsulated to IP datagrams), thecorresponding data are outputted to the physical adaptation controlsignal handler 216. Alternatively, when the determined data correspondto an IP datagram, the corresponding data are outputted to the IPnetwork stack 220.

The IP network stack 220 processes broadcast data that are beingtransmitted in the form of IP datagrams. More specifically, the IPnetwork stack 220 processes data that are inputted via user datagramprotocol (UDP), real-time transport protocol (RTP), real-time transportcontrol protocol (RTCP), asynchronous layered coding/layered codingtransport (ALC/LCT), file delivery over unidirectional transport(FLUTE), and so on. Herein, when the processed data correspond tostreaming data, the corresponding data are outputted to the streaminghandler 230. And, when the processed data correspond to data in a fileformat, the corresponding data are outputted to the file handler 250.Finally, when the processed data correspond to SI-associated data, thecorresponding data are outputted to the SI handler 240.

The SI handler 240 receives and processes SI data having the form of IPdatagrams, which are inputted to the IP network stack 220.

When the inputted data associated with SI correspond to MIME-type data,the inputted data are outputted to the MIME-type handler 260.

The MIME-type handler 260 receives the MIME-type SI data outputted fromthe SI handler 240 and processes the received MIME-type SI data.

The file handler 250 receives data from the IP network stack 220 in anobject format in accordance with the ALC/LCT and FLUTE structures. Thefile handler 250 groups the received data to create a file format.Herein, when the corresponding file includes ESG, the file is outputtedto the ESG handler 270. On the other hand, when the corresponding fileincludes data for other file-based services, the file is outputted tothe presentation controller 330 of the presentation processor 300.

The ESG handler 270 processes the ESG data received from the filehandler 250 and stores the processed ESG data to the storage unit 290.Alternatively, the ESG handler 270 may output the processed ESG data tothe ESG decoder 280, thereby allowing the ESG data to be used by the ESGdecoder 280.

The storage unit 290 stores the system information (SI) received fromthe physical adaptation control signal handler 210 and the ESG handler270 therein. Thereafter, the storage unit 290 transmits the stored SIdata to each block.

The ESG decoder 280 either recovers the ESG data and SI data stored inthe storage unit 290 or recovers the ESG data transmitted from the ESGhandler 270. Then, the ESG decoder 280 outputs the recovered data to thepresentation controller 330 in a format that can be outputted to theuser.

The streaming handler 230 receives data from the IP network stack 220,wherein the format of the received data are in accordance with RTPand/or RTCP structures. The streaming handler 230 extracts audio/videostreams from the received data, which are then outputted to theaudio/video (A/V) decoder 310 of the presentation processor 300. Theaudio/video decoder 310 then decodes each of the audio stream and videostream received from the streaming handler 230.

The display module 320 of the presentation processor 300 receives audioand video signals respectively decoded by the A/V decoder 310. Then, thedisplay module 320 provides the received audio and video signals to theuser through a speaker and/or a screen.

The presentation controller 330 corresponds to a controller managingmodules that output data received by the receiving system to the user.

The channel service manager 340 manages an interface with the user,which enables the user to use channel-based broadcast services, such aschannel map management, channel service connection, and so on.

The application manager 350 manages an interface with a user using ESGdisplay or other application services that do not correspond tochannel-based services.

Data Format Structure

Meanwhile, the data structure used in the mobile broadcasting technologyaccording to the embodiment of the present invention may include a datagroup structure and an RS frame structure, which will now be describedin detail.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary structure of a data group according tothe present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an example of dividing a data group according to the datastructure of the present invention into 10 MH blocks (i.e., MH block 1(B1) to MH block 10 (B10)). In this example, each MH block has thelength of 16 segments. Referring to FIG. 2, only the RS parity data areallocated to portions of the previous 5 segments of the MH block 1 (B1)and the next 5 segments of the MH block 10 (B10). The RS parity data areexcluded in regions A to D of the data group.

More specifically, when it is assumed that one data group is dividedinto regions A, B, C, and D, each MH block may be included in any one ofregion A to region D depending upon the characteristic of each MH blockwithin the data group. Herein, the data group is divided into aplurality of regions to be used for different purposes. Morespecifically, a region of the main service data having no interferenceor a very low interference level may be considered to have a moreresistant (or stronger) receiving performance as compared to regionshaving higher interference levels. Additionally, when using a systeminserting and transmitting known data in the data group, wherein theknown data are known based upon an agreement between the transmittingsystem and the receiving system, and when consecutively long known dataare to be periodically inserted in the mobile service data, the knowndata having a predetermined length may be periodically inserted in theregion having no interference from the main service data (i.e., a regionwherein the main service data are not mixed). However, due tointerference from the main service data, it is difficult to periodicallyinsert known data and also to insert consecutively long known data to aregion having interference from the main service data.

Referring to FIG. 2, MH block 4 (B4) to MH block 7 (B7) correspond toregions without interference of the main service data. MH block 4 (B4)to MH block 7 (B7) within the data group shown in FIG. 2 correspond to aregion where no interference from the main service data occurs. In thisexample, a long known data sequence is inserted at both the beginningand end of each MH block. In the description of the present invention,the region including MH block 4 (B4) to MH block 7 (B7) will be referredto as “region A (=B4+B5+B6+B7)”. As described above, when the data groupincludes region A having a long known data sequence inserted at both thebeginning and end of each MH block, the receiving system is capable ofperforming equalization by using the channel information that can beobtained from the known data. Therefore, the strongest equalizingperformance may be yielded (or obtained) from one of region A to regionD.

In the example of the data group shown in FIG. 2, MH block 3 (B3) and MHblock 8 (B8) correspond to a region having little interference from themain service data. Herein, a long known data sequence is inserted inonly one side of each MH block B3 and B8. More specifically, due to theinterference from the main service data, a long known data sequence isinserted at the end of MH block 3 (B3), and another long known datasequence is inserted at the beginning of MH block 8 (B8). In the presentinvention, the region including MH block 3 (B3) and MH block 8 (B8) willbe referred to as “region B (=B3+B8)”. As described above, when the datagroup includes region B having a long known data sequence inserted atonly one side (beginning or end) of each MH block, the receiving systemis capable of performing equalization by using the channel informationthat can be obtained from the known data. Therefore, a strongerequalizing performance as compared to region C/D may be yielded (orobtained).

Referring to FIG. 2, MH block 2 (B2) and MH block 9 (B9) correspond to aregion having more interference from the main service data as comparedto region B. A long known data sequence cannot be inserted in any sideof MH block 2 (B2) and MH block 9 (B9). Herein, the region including MHblock 2 (B2) and MH block 9 (B9) will be referred to as “region C(=B2+B9)”.

Finally, in the example shown in FIG. 2, MH block 1 (B1) and MH block 10(B10) correspond to a region having more interference from the mainservice data as compared to region C. Similarly, a long known datasequence cannot be inserted in any side of MH block 1 (B1) and MH block10 (B10). Herein, the region including MH block 1 (B1) and MH block 10(B10) will be referred to as “region D (=B1+B10)”. Since region C/D isspaced further apart from the known data sequence, when the channelenvironment undergoes frequent and abrupt changes, the receivingperformance of region C/D may be deteriorated.

Additionally, the data group includes a signaling information areawherein signaling information is assigned (or allocated).

In the present invention, the signaling information area may start fromthe 1^(st) segment of the 4^(th) MH block (B4) to a portion of the2^(nd) segment. According to an embodiment of the present invention, thesignaling information area for inserting signaling information may startfrom the 1^(st) segment of the 4^(th) MH block (B4) to a portion of the2^(nd) segment. More specifically, 276(=207+69) bytes of the 4^(th) MHblock (B4) in each data group are assigned as the signaling informationarea. In other words, the signaling information area consists of 207bytes of the 1^(st) segment and the first 69 bytes of the 2^(nd) segmentof the 4^(th) MH block (B4). The 1^(st) segment of the 4^(th) MH block(B4) corresponds to the 17^(th) or 173^(rd) segment of a VSB field.

Herein, the signaling information may be identified by two differenttypes of signaling channels: a transmission parameter channel (TPC) anda fast information channel (FIC).

Herein, the TPC data may include at least one of an MH ensemble ID, anMH sub-frame number, a total number of MH groups (TNoG), an RS framecontinuity counter, a column size of RS frame (N), and an FIC versionnumber. However, the TPC data (or information) presented herein aremerely exemplary. And, since the adding or deleting of signalinginformation included in the TPC data may be easily adjusted and modifiedby one skilled in the art, the present invention will, therefore, not belimited to the examples set forth herein. Furthermore, the FIC isprovided to enable a fast service acquisition of data receivers, and theFIC includes cross layer information between the physical layer and theupper layer(s).

For example, when the data group includes 6 known data sequences, asshown in FIG. 2, the signaling information area is located between thefirst known data sequence and the second known data sequence. Morespecifically, the first known data sequence is inserted in the last 2segments of the 3^(rd) MH block (B3), and the second known data sequencein inserted in the 2^(nd) and 3^(rd) segments of the 4^(th) MH block(B4). Furthermore, the 3^(rd) to 6^(th) known data sequences arerespectively inserted in the last 2 segments of each of the 4^(th),5^(th), 6^(th), and 7^(th) MH blocks (B4, B5, B6, and B7). The 1^(st)and 3^(rd) to 6^(th) known data sequences are spaced apart by 16segments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an RS frame according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The RS frame shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to a collection of one or moredata groups. The RS frame is received for each MH frame in a conditionwhere the receiving system receives the FIC and processes the receivedFIC and where the receiving system is switched to a time-slicing mode sothat the receiving system can receive MH ensembles including ESG entrypoints. Each RS frame includes IP streams of each service or ESG, andSMT section data may exist in all RS frames.

The RS frame according to the embodiment of the present inventionconsists of at least one MH transport packet (TP). Herein, the MH TPincludes an MH header and an MH payload.

The MH payload may include mobile service data as well as signalingdata. More specifically, an MH payload may include only mobile servicedata, or may include only signaling data, or may include both mobileservice data and signaling data.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the MH header mayidentify (or distinguish) the data types included in the MH payload.More specifically, when the MH TP includes a first MH header, thisindicates that the MH payload includes only the signaling data. Also,when the MH TP includes a second MH header, this indicates that the MHpayload includes both the signaling data and the mobile service data.Finally, when MH TP includes a third MH header, this indicates that theMH payload includes only the mobile service data.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the RS frame is assigned with IPdatagrams (IP datagram 1 and IP datagram 2) for two service types.

Data Transmission Structure

FIG. 4 illustrates a structure of a MH frame for transmitting andreceiving mobile service data according to the present invention. In theexample shown in FIG. 4, one MH frame consists of 5 sub-frames, whereineach sub-frame includes 16 slots. In this case, the MH frame accordingto the present invention includes 5 sub-frames and 80 slots.

Also, in a packet level, one slot is configured of 156 data packets(i.e., transport stream packets), and in a symbol level, one slot isconfigured of 156 data segments. Herein, the size of one slotcorresponds to one half (½) of a VSB field. More specifically, since one207-byte data packet has the same amount of data as a data segment, adata packet prior to being interleaved may also be used as a datasegment. At this point, two VSB fields are grouped to form a VSB frame.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary structure of a VSB frame, wherein oneVSB frame consists of 2 VSB fields (i.e., an odd field and an evenfield). Herein, each VSB field includes a field synchronization segmentand 312 data segments.

The slot corresponds to a basic time unit for multiplexing the mobileservice data and the main service data. Herein, one slot may eitherinclude the mobile service data or be configured only of the mainservice data.

If the first 118 data packets within the slot correspond to a datagroup, the remaining 38 data packets become the main service datapackets. In another example, when no data group exists in a slot, thecorresponding slot is configured of 156 main service data packets.

Meanwhile, when the slots are assigned to a VSB frame, an off-set existsfor each assigned position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a mapping example of the positions to which the first4 slots of a sub-frame are assigned with respect to a VSB frame in aspatial area. And, FIG. 7 illustrates a mapping example of the positionsto which the first 4 slots of a sub-frame are assigned with respect to aVSB frame in a chronological (or time) area.

Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a 38^(th) data packet (TS packet #37) ofa 1^(st) slot (Slot #0) is mapped to the 1^(st) data packet of an oddVSB field. A 38^(th) data packet (TS packet #37) of a 2^(nd) slot (Slot#1) is mapped to the 157^(th) data packet of an odd VSB field. Also, a38^(th) data packet (TS packet #37) of a 3^(rd) slot (Slot #2) is mappedto the 1^(st) data packet of an even VSB field. And, a 38^(th) datapacket (TS packet #37) of a 4^(th) slot (Slot #3) is mapped to the157^(th) data packet of an even VSB field. Similarly, the remaining 12slots within the corresponding sub-frame are mapped in the subsequentVSB frames using the same method.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary assignment order of data groups beingassigned to one of 5 sub-frames, wherein the 5 sub-frames configure anMH frame. For example, the method of assigning data groups may beidentically applied to all MH frames or differently applied to each MHframe. Furthermore, the method of assigning data groups may beidentically applied to all sub-frames or differently applied to eachsub-frame. At this point, when it is assumed that the data groups areassigned using the same method in all sub-frames of the corresponding MHframe, the total number of data groups being assigned to an MH frame isequal to a multiple of ‘5’.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality ofconsecutive data groups is assigned to be spaced as far apart from oneanother as possible within the sub-frame. Thus, the system can becapable of responding promptly and effectively to any burst error thatmay occur within a sub-frame.

For example, when it is assumed that 3 data groups are assigned to asub-frame, the data groups are assigned to a 1^(st) slot (Slot #0), a5^(th) slot (Slot #4), and a 9^(th) slot (Slot #8) in the sub-frame,respectively. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of assigning 16 data groupsin one sub-frame using the above-described pattern (or rule). In otherwords, each data group is serially assigned to 16 slots corresponding tothe following numbers: 0, 8, 4, 12, 1, 9, 5, 13, 2, 10, 6, 14, 3, 11, 7,and 15. Equation 1 below shows the above-described rule (or pattern) forassigning data groups in a sub-frame.

$\begin{matrix}{{j = {\left( {{4i} + 0} \right)\mspace{14mu} {mod}\mspace{14mu} 16}}{{Herein},\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{{0 = {{0\mspace{14mu} {if}\mspace{14mu} i} < 4}},} \\{{0 = {{2\mspace{14mu} {else}\mspace{14mu} {if}\mspace{14mu} i} < 8}},}\end{matrix} \\{{0 = {{1\mspace{14mu} {else}\mspace{14mu} {if}\mspace{14mu} i} < 12}},}\end{matrix} \\{0 = {3\mspace{14mu} {{else}.}}}\end{matrix}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 1}\end{matrix}$

Herein, j indicates the slot number within a sub-frame. The value of jmay range from 0 to 15 (i.e., 0≦j≦15). Also, variable i indicates thedata group number. The value of i may range from 0 to 15 (i.e., 0≦i≦15).

In the present invention, a collection of data groups included in a MHframe will be referred to as a “parade”. Based upon the RS frame mode,the parade transmits data of at least one specific RS frame.

The mobile service data within one RS frame may be assigned either toall of regions A/B/C/D within the corresponding data group, or to atleast one of regions A/B/C/D. In the embodiment of the presentinvention, the mobile service data within one RS frame may be assignedeither to all of regions A/B/C/D, or to at least one of regions A/B andregions C/D. If the mobile service data are assigned to the latter case(i.e., one of regions A/B and regions C/D), the RS frame being assignedto regions A/B and the RS frame being assigned to regions C/D within thecorresponding data group are different from one another. According tothe embodiment of the present invention, the RS frame being assigned toregions A/B within the corresponding data group will be referred to as a“primary RS frame”, and the RS frame being assigned to regions C/Dwithin the corresponding data group will be referred to as a “secondaryRS frame”, for simplicity. Also, the primary RS frame and the secondaryRS frame form (or configure) one parade. More specifically, when themobile service data within one RS frame are assigned either to all ofregions A/B/C/D within the corresponding data group, one paradetransmits one RS frame. Conversely, when the mobile service data withinone RS frame are assigned either to at least one of regions A/B andregions C/D, one parade may transmit up to 2 RS frames.

More specifically, the RS frame mode indicates whether a paradetransmits one RS frame, or whether the parade transmits two RS frames.Such RS frame mode is transmitted as the above-described TPC data.

Table 1 below shows an example of the RS frame mode.

TABLE 1 RS frame mode (2 bits) Description 00 There is only one primaryRS frame for all group regions 01 There are two separate RS frames.Primary RS frame for group regions A and B Secondary RS frame for groupregions C and D 10 Reserved 11 Reserved

Table 1 illustrates an example of allocating 2 bits in order to indicatethe RS frame mode. For example, referring to Table 1, when the RS framemode value is equal to ‘00’, this indicates that one parade transmitsone RS frame. And, when the RS frame mode value is equal to ‘01’, thisindicates that one parade transmits two RS frames, i.e., the primary RSframe and the secondary RS frame. More specifically, when the RS framemode value is equal to ‘01’, data of the primary RS frame for regionsA/B are assigned and transmitted to regions A/B of the correspondingdata group. Similarly, data of the secondary RS frame for regions C/Dare assigned and transmitted to regions C/D of the corresponding datagroup.

As described in the assignment of data groups, the parades are alsoassigned to be spaced as far apart from one another as possible withinthe sub-frame. Thus, the system can be capable of responding promptlyand effectively to any burst error that may occur within a sub-frame.

Furthermore, the method of assigning parades may be identically appliedto all MH frames or differently applied to each MH frame. According tothe embodiment of the present invention, the parades may be assigneddifferently for each MH frame and identically for all sub-frames withinan MH frame. More specifically, the MH frame structure may vary by MHframe units. Thus, an ensemble rate may be adjusted on a more frequentand flexible basis.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of multiple data groups of a single paradebeing assigned (or allocated) to an MH frame. More specifically, FIG. 9illustrates an example of a plurality of data groups included in asingle parade, wherein the number of data groups included in a sub-frameis equal to ‘3’, being allocated to an MH frame.

Referring to FIG. 9, 3 data groups are sequentially assigned to asub-frame at a cycle period of 4 slots. Accordingly, when this processis equally performed in the 5 sub-frames included in the correspondingMH frame, 15 data groups are assigned to a single MH frame. Herein, the15 data groups correspond to data groups included in a parade.Therefore, since one sub-frame is configured of 4 VSB frame, and since 3data groups are included in a sub-frame, the data group of thecorresponding parade is not assigned to one of the 4 VSB frames within asub-frame.

For example, when it is assumed that one parade transmits one RS frame,and that a RS frame encoder (not shown) included in the transmittingsystem performs RS-encoding on the corresponding RS frame, therebyadding 24 bytes of parity data to the corresponding RS frame andtransmitting the processed RS frame, the parity data occupyapproximately 11.37% (=24/(187+24)×100) of the total code word length.Meanwhile, when one sub-frame includes 3 data groups, and when the datagroups included in the parade are assigned, as shown in FIG. 9, a totalof 15 data groups form an RS frame. Accordingly, even when an erroroccurs in an entire data group due to a burst noise within a channel,the percentile is merely 6.67% (= 1/15×100). Therefore, the receivingsystem may correct all errors by performing an erasure RS decodingprocess. More specifically, when the erasure RS decoding is performed, anumber of channel errors corresponding to the number of RS parity bytesmay be corrected. By doing so, the receiving system may correct theerror of at least one data group within one parade. Thus, the minimumburst noise length correctable by a RS frame is over 1 VSB frame.

Meanwhile, when data groups of a parade are assigned as shown in FIG. 9,either main service data may be assigned between each data group, ordata groups corresponding to different parades may be assigned betweeneach data group. More specifically, data groups corresponding tomultiple parades may be assigned to one MH frame.

Basically, the method of assigning data groups corresponding to multipleparades is very similar to the method of assigning data groupscorresponding to a single parade. In other words, data groups includedin other parades that are to be assigned to an MH frame are alsorespectively assigned according to a cycle period of 4 slots.

At this point, data groups of a different parade may be sequentiallyassigned to the respective slots in a circular method. Herein, the datagroups are assigned to slots starting from the ones to which data groupsof the previous parade have not yet been assigned.

For example, when it is assumed that data groups corresponding to aparade are assigned as shown in FIG. 9, data groups corresponding to thenext parade may be assigned to a sub-frame starting either from the12^(th) slot of a sub-frame. However, this is merely exemplary. Inanother example, the data groups of the next parade may also besequentially assigned to a different slot within a sub-frame at a cycleperiod of 4 slots starting from the 3^(rd) slot.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of transmitting 3 parades (Parade #0,Parade #1, and Parade #2) to an MH frame. More specifically, FIG. 10illustrates an example of transmitting parades included in one of 5sub-frames, wherein the 5 sub-frames configure one MH frame.

When the 1^(st) parade (Parade #0) includes 3 data groups for eachsub-frame, the positions of each data groups within the sub-frames maybe obtained by substituting values ‘0’ to ‘2’ for i in Equation 1. Morespecifically, the data groups of the 1^(st) parade (Parade #0) aresequentially assigned to the 1^(st), 5^(th), and 9^(th) slots (Slot #0,Slot #4, and Slot #8) within the sub-frame.

Also, when the 2^(nd) parade includes 2 data groups for each sub-frame,the positions of each data groups within the sub-frames may be obtainedby substituting values ‘3’ and ‘4’ for in Equation 1. More specifically,the data groups of the 2^(nd) parade (Parade #1) are sequentiallyassigned to the 2^(nd) and 12^(th) slots (Slot #1 and Slot #11) withinthe sub-frame.

Finally, when the 3^(rd) parade includes 2 data groups for eachsub-frame, the positions of each data groups within the sub-frames maybe obtained by substituting values ‘5’ and ‘6’ for i in Equation 1. Morespecifically, the data groups of the 3^(rd) parade (Parade #2) aresequentially assigned to the 7^(th) and 11^(th) slots (Slot #6 and Slot#10) within the sub-frame.

As described above, data groups of multiple parades may be assigned to asingle MH frame, and, in each sub-frame, the data groups are seriallyallocated to a group space having 4 slots from left to right.

Therefore, a number of groups of one parade per sub-frame (NoG) maycorrespond to any one integer from ‘1’ to ‘8’. Herein, since one MHframe includes 5 sub-frames, the total number of data groups within aparade that can be allocated to an MH frame may correspond to any onemultiple of ‘5’ ranging from ‘5’ to ‘40’.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example of expanding the assignment process of 3parades, shown in FIG. 10, to 5 sub-frames within an MH frame.

FIG. 12 illustrates a data transmission structure according to anembodiment of the present invention, wherein signaling data are includedin a data group so as to be transmitted.

As described above, an MH frame is divided into 5 sub-frames. Datagroups corresponding to a plurality of parades co-exist in eachsub-frame. Herein, the data groups corresponding to each parade aregrouped by MH frame units, thereby configuring a single parade.

The data structure shown in FIG. 12 includes 3 parades, one ESGdedicated channel (EDC) parade (i.e., parade with NoG=1), and 2 serviceparades (i.e., parade with NoG=4 and parade with NoG=3). Also, apredetermined portion of each data group (i.e., 37 bytes/data group) isused for delivering (or sending) FIC information associated with mobileservice data, wherein the FIC information is separately encoded from theRS-encoding process. The FIC region assigned to each data group consistsof one FIC segments. Herein, each segment is interleaved by MH sub-frameunits, thereby configuring an FIC body, which corresponds to a completedFIC transmission structure. However, whenever required, each segment maybe interleaved by MH frame units and not by MH sub-frame units, therebybeing completed in MH frame units.

Meanwhile, the concept of an MH ensemble is applied in the embodiment ofthe present invention, thereby defining a collection (or group) ofservices. Each MH ensemble carries the same QoS and is coded with thesame FEC code. Also, each MH ensemble has the same unique identifier(i.e., ensemble ID) and corresponds to consecutive RS frames.

As shown in FIG. 12, the FIC segment corresponding to each data groupdescribed service information of an MH ensemble to which thecorresponding data group belongs. When FIC segments within a sub-frameare grouped and deinterleaved, all service information of a physicalchannel through which the corresponding FICs are transmitted may beobtained. Therefore, the receiving system may be able to acquire thechannel information of the corresponding physical channel, after beingprocessed with physical channel tuning, during a sub-frame period.

Furthermore, FIG. 12 illustrates a structure further including aseparate EDC parade apart from the service parade and wherein electronicservice guide (ESG) data are transmitted in the 1^(st) slot of eachsub-frame.

Hierarchical Signaling Structure

FIG. 13 illustrates a hierarchical signaling structure according to anembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the mobilebroadcasting technology according to the embodiment of the presentinvention adopts a signaling method using FIC and SMT. In thedescription of the present invention, the signaling structure will bereferred to as a hierarchical signaling structure.

Hereinafter, a detailed description on how the receiving system accessesa virtual channel via FIC and SMT will now be given with reference toFIG. 13.

The FIC body defined in an MH transport (M1) identifies the physicallocation of each the data stream for each virtual channel and providesvery high level descriptions of each virtual channel.

Being MH ensemble level signaling information, the service map table(SMT) provides MH ensemble level signaling information. The SMT providesthe IP access information of each virtual channel belonging to therespective MH ensemble within which the SMT is carried. The SMT alsoprovides all IP stream component level information required for thevirtual channel service acquisition.

Referring to FIG. 13, each MH ensemble (i.e., Ensemble 0, Ensemble 1, .. . , Ensemble K) includes a stream information on each associated (orcorresponding) virtual channel (e.g., virtual channel 0 IP stream,virtual channel 1 IP stream, and virtual channel 2 IP stream). Forexample, Ensemble 0 includes virtual channel 0 IP stream and virtualchannel 1 IP stream. And, each MH ensemble includes diverse informationon the associated virtual channel (i.e., Virtual Channel 0 Table Entry,Virtual Channel 0 Access Info, Virtual Channel 1 Table Entry, VirtualChannel 1 Access Info, Virtual Channel 2 Table Entry, Virtual Channel 2Access Info, Virtual Channel N Table Entry, Virtual Channel N AccessInfo, and so on).

The FIC body payload includes information on MH ensembles (e.g.,ensemble_id field, and referred to as “ensemble location” in FIG. 13)and information on a virtual channel associated with the correspondingMH ensemble (e.g., when such information corresponds to amajor_channel_num field and a minor_channel_num field, the informationis expressed as Virtual Channel 0, Virtual Channel 1, . . . , VirtualChannel N in FIG. 13).

The application of the signaling structure in the receiving system willnow be described in detail.

When a user selects a channel he or she wishes to view (hereinafter, theuser-selected channel will be referred to as “channel θ” forsimplicity), the receiving system first parses the received FIC. Then,the receiving system acquires information on an MH ensemble (i.e.,ensemble location), which is associated with the virtual channelcorresponding to channel θ (hereinafter, the corresponding MH ensemblewill be referred to as “MH ensemble θ” for simplicity). By acquiringslots only corresponding to the MH ensemble θ using the time-slicingmethod, the receiving system configures ensemble θ. The ensemble θconfigured as described above, includes an SMT on the associated virtualchannels (including channel θ) and IP streams on the correspondingvirtual channels. Therefore, the receiving system uses the SMT includedin the MH ensemble θ in order to acquire various information on channelθ (e.g., Virtual Channel θ Table Entry) and stream access information onchannel θ (e.g., Virtual Channel θ Access Info). The receiving systemuses the stream access information on channel θ to receive only theassociated IP streams, thereby providing channel θ services to the user.

Fast Information Channel (FIC)

The digital broadcast receiving system according to the presentinvention adopts the fast information channel (FIC) for a faster accessto a service that is currently being broadcasted.

More specifically, the FIC handler 215 of FIG. 1 parses the FIC body,which corresponds to an FIC transmission structure, and outputs theparsed result to the physical adaptation control signal handler 216.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary FIC body format according to anembodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment of thepresent invention, the FIC format consists of an FIC body header and anFIC body payload.

Meanwhile, according to the embodiment of the present invention, dataare transmitted through the FIC body header and the FIC body payload inFIC segment units. Each FIC segment has the size of 37 bytes, and eachFIC segment consists of a 2-byte FIC segment header and a 35-byte FICsegment payload. More specifically, an FIC body configured of an FICbody header and an FIC body payload, is segmented in units of 35 databytes, which are then carried in at least one FIC segment within the FICsegment payload, so as to be transmitted.

In the description of the present invention, an example of inserting oneFIC segment in one data group, which is then transmitted, will be given.In this case, the receiving system receives a slot corresponding to eachdata group by using a time-slicing method.

The signaling decoder 190 included in the receiving system shown in FIG.1 collects each FIC segment inserted in each data group. Then, thesignaling decoder 190 uses the collected FIC segments to created asingle FIC body. Thereafter, the signaling decoder 190 performs adecoding process on the FIC body payload of the created FIC body, sothat the decoded FIC body payload corresponds to an encoded result of asignaling encoder (not shown) included in the transmitting system.Subsequently, the decoded FIC body payload is outputted to the FIChandler 215. The FIC handler 215 parses the FIC data included in the FICbody payload, and then outputs the parsed FIC data to the physicaladaptation control signal handler 216. The physical adaptation controlsignal handler 216 uses the inputted FIC data to perform processesassociated with MH ensembles, virtual channels, SMTs, and so on.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when an FIC body issegmented, and when the size of the last segmented portion is smallerthan 35 data bytes, it is assumed that the lacking number of data bytesin the FIC segment payload is completed with by adding the same numberof stuffing bytes therein, so that the size of the last FIC segment canbe equal to 35 data bytes.

However, it is apparent that the above-described data byte values (i.e.,37 bytes for the FIC segment, 2 bytes for the FIC segment header, and 35bytes for the FIC segment payload) are merely exemplary, and will,therefore, not limit the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure withrespect to an FIC segment according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

Herein, the FIC segment signifies a unit used for transmitting the FICdata. The FIC segment consists of an FIC segment header and an FICsegment payload. Referring to FIG. 15, the FIC segment payloadcorresponds to the portion starting from the ‘for’ loop statement.Meanwhile, the FIC segment header may include a FIC_type field, anerror_indicator field, an FIC_seg_number field, and anFIC_last_seg_number field. A detailed description of each field will nowbe given.

The FIC_type field is a 2-bit field indicating the type of thecorresponding FIC.

The error_indicator field is a 1-bit field, which indicates whether ornot an error has occurred within the FIC segment during datatransmission. If an error has occurred, the value of the error_indicatorfield is set to ‘1’. More specifically, when an error that has failed tobe recovered still remains during the configuration process of the FICsegment, the error_indicator field value is set to ‘1’. Theerror_indicator field enables the receiving system to recognize thepresence of an error within the FIC data.

The FIC_seg_number field is a 4-bit field. Herein, when a single FICbody is divided into a plurality of FIC segments and transmitted, theFIC_seg_number field indicates the number of the corresponding FICsegment.

Finally, the FIC_last_seg_number field is also a 4-bit field. TheFIC_last_seg_number field indicates the number of the last FIC segmentwithin the corresponding FIC body.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure withrespect to a payload of an FIC segment according to the presentinvention, when an FIC type field value is equal to ‘0’.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the payload of theFIC segment is divided into 3 different regions.

A first region of the FIC segment payload exists only when theFIC_seg_number field value is equal to ‘0’. Herein, the first region mayinclude a current_next_indicator field, an ESG_version field, and atransport_stream_id field. However, depending upon the embodiment of thepresent invention, it may be assumed that each of the 3 fields existsregardless of the FIC_seg_number field.

The current_next_indicator field is a 1-bit field. Thecurrent_next_indicator field acts as an indicator identifying whetherthe corresponding FIC data carry MH ensemble configuration informationof an MH frame including the current FIC segment, or whether thecorresponding FIC data carry MH ensemble configuration information of anext MH frame.

The ESG_version field is a 5-bit field indicating ESG versioninformation. Herein, by providing version information on the serviceguide providing channel of the corresponding ESG, the ESG_version fieldenables the receiving system to notify whether or not the correspondingESG has been updated.

Finally, the transport_stream_id field is a 16-bit field acting as aunique identifier of a broadcast stream through which the correspondingFIC segment is being transmitted.

A second region of the FIC segment payload corresponds to an ensembleloop region, which includes an ensemble_id field, an SI_version field,and a num_channel field.

More specifically, the ensemble_id field is an 8-bit field indicatingidentifiers of an MH ensemble through which MH services are transmitted.The MH services will be described in more detail in a later process.Herein, the ensemble_id field binds the MH services and the MH ensemble.

The SI_version field is a 4-bit field indicating version information ofSI data included in the corresponding ensemble, which is beingtransmitted within the RS frame.

Finally, the num_channel field is an 8-bit field indicating the numberof virtual channel being transmitted via the corresponding ensemble.

A third region of the FIC segment payload a channel loop region, whichincludes a channel_type field, a channel_activity field, a CA indicatorfield, a stand_alone_service_indicator field, a major_channel_num field,and a minor_channel_num field.

The channel_type field is a 5-bit field indicating a service type of thecorresponding virtual channel. For example, the channel_type field mayindicates an audio/video channel, an audio/video and data channel, anaudio-only channel, a data-only channel, a file download channel, an ESGdelivery channel, a notification channel, and so on.

The channel_activity field is a 2-bit field indicating activityinformation of the corresponding virtual channel. More specifically, thechannel_activity field may indicate whether the current virtual channelis providing the current service.

The CA_indicator field is a 1-bit field indicating whether or not aconditional access (CA) is applied to the current virtual channel.

The stand_alone_service_indicator field is also a 1-bit field, whichindicates whether the service of the corresponding virtual channelcorresponds to a stand alone service.

The major_channel_num field is an 8-bit field indicating a major channelnumber of the corresponding virtual channel.

Finally, the minor_channel_num field is also an 8-bit field indicating aminor channel number of the corresponding virtual channel.

Service Table Map

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of aservice map table (hereinafter referred to as “SMT”) according to thepresent invention.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the SMT isconfigured in an MPEG-2 private section format. However, this will notlimit the scope and spirit of the present invention. The SMT accordingto the embodiment of the present invention includes descriptioninformation for each virtual channel within a single MH ensemble. And,additional information may further be included in each descriptor area.

Herein, the SMT according to the embodiment of the present inventionincludes at least one field and is transmitted from the transmittingsystem to the receiving system.

As described in FIG. 3, the SMT section may be transmitted by beingincluded in the MH TP within the RS frame. In this case, each of the RSframe decoders 170 and 180, shown in FIG. 1, decodes the inputted RSframe, respectively. Then, each of the decoded RS frames is outputted tothe respective RS frame handler 211 and 212. Thereafter, each RS framehandler 211 and 212 identifies the inputted RS frame by row units, so asto create an MH TP, thereby outputting the created MH TP to the MH TPhandler 213.

When it is determined that the corresponding MH TP includes an SMTsection based upon the header in each of the inputted MH TP, the MH TPhandler 213 parses the corresponding SMT section, so as to output the SIdata within the parsed SMT section to the physical adaptation controlsignal handler 216. However, this is limited to when the SMT is notencapsulated to IP datagrams.

Meanwhile, when the SMT is encapsulated to IP datagrams, and when it isdetermined that the corresponding MH TP includes an SMT section basedupon the header in each of the inputted MH TP, the MH TP handler 213outputs the SMT section to the IP network stack 220. Accordingly, the IPnetwork stack 220 performs IP and UDP processes on the inputted SMTsection and, then, outputs the processed SMT section to the SI handler240. The SI handler 240 parses the inputted SMT section and controls thesystem so that the parsed SI data can be stored in the storage unit 290.

The following corresponds to example of the fields that may betransmitted through the SMT.

A table_id field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer number, whichindicates the type of table section. The table_id field allows thecorresponding table to be defined as the service map table (SMT).

A section_syntax_indicator field is a 1-bit field corresponding to anindicator defining the section format of the SLT. For example, thesection format may correspond to MPEG long-form syntax.

A private_indicator field is a 1-bit field indicating whether or not theSMT follows (or is in accordance with) a private section.

A section_length field is a 12-bit field indicating the section lengthof the corresponding SMT.

A transport_stream_id field is a 16-bit field indicating atransport_stream identifier of a physical channel transmitting (ordelivering) the corresponding SMT.

A version_number field is a 5-bit field indicating the version number ofthe corresponding SMT.

A current_next_indicator field is a 1-bit field indicating whether thedata included in subsequent SMT sections are currently applicable.

A section_number field is an 8-bit field indicating the section numberof the corresponding SMT.

A last_section_number field is also an 8-bit field indicating the lastsection number of the corresponding SMT.

An SMT_protocol_version field is an 8-bit field indicating the protocolversion of the corresponding SMT section.

An ensemble_id field is an 8-bit unsigned integer field, whichcorresponds to an ID value associated to the corresponding MH ensemble.Herein, the ensemble_id field may be assigned with a value ranging fromrange ‘0x00’ to ‘0x3F’. It is preferable that the value of theensemble_id field is derived from the parade_id of the TPC data, whichis carried from the baseband processor of MH physical layer subsystem.When the corresponding MH ensemble is transmitted through (or carriedover) the primary RS frame, a value of ‘0’ may be used for the mostsignificant bit (MSB), and the remaining 7 bits are used as theparade_id value of the associated MH parade (i.e., for the leastsignificant 7 bits). Alternatively, when the corresponding MH ensembleis transmitted through (or carried over) the secondary RS frame, a valueof ‘1’ may be used for the most significant bit (MSB).

A num_channels field is an 8-bit field, which specifies the number ofvirtual channels in the corresponding SMT section.

Meanwhile, the SMT according to the embodiment of the present inventionprovides information on a plurality of virtual channels using the ‘for’loop statement.

A major_channel_num field corresponds to an 8-bit field, whichrepresents the major channel number associated with the correspondingvirtual channel. Herein, the major_channel_num field may be assignedwith a value ranging from ‘0x00’ to ‘0xFF’.

A minor_channel_num field corresponds to an 8-bit field, whichrepresents the minor channel number associated with the correspondingvirtual channel. Herein, the minor_channel_num field may be assignedwith a value ranging from ‘0x00’ to ‘0xFF’.

A short_channel_name field indicates the short name of the virtualchannel. The service_id field is a 16-bit unsigned integer number (orvalue), which identifies the virtual channel service.

A service_type field is a 6-bit enumerated type field, which designatesthe type of service carried in the corresponding virtual channel asdefined in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 0x00 [Reserved] 0x01 MH_digital_television field: the virtualchannel carries television programming (audio, video and optionalassociated data) conforming to ATSC standards. 0x02 MH_audio field: thevirtual channel carries audio programming (audio service and optionalassociated data) conforming to ATSC standards. 0x03 MH_data_only_servicefield: the virtual channel carries a data service conforming to ATSCstandards, but no video or audio component. 0x04 to [Reserved for futureATSC usage] 0xFF

A virtual_channel_activity field is a 2-bit enumerated field identifyingthe activity status of the corresponding virtual channel. When the mostsignificant bit (MSB) of the virtual_channel_activity field is ‘1’, thevirtual channel is active, and when the most significant bit (MSB) ofthe virtual_channel_activity field is ‘0’, the virtual channel isinactive. Also, when the least significant bit (LSB) of thevirtual_channel_activity field is ‘1’, the virtual channel is hidden(when set to 1), and when the least significant bit (LSB) of thevirtual_channel_activity field is ‘0’, the virtual channel is nothidden.

A num_components field is a 5-bit field, which specifies the number ofIP stream components in the corresponding virtual channel.

An IP_version_flag field corresponds to a 1-bit indicator. Morespecifically, when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to ‘1’,this indicates that a source_IP_address field, avirtual_channel_target_IP_address field, and acomponent_target_IP_address field are IPv6 addresses. Alternatively,when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to ‘0’, thisindicates that the source_IP_address field, thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address field, and thecomponent_target_IP_address field are IPv4.

A source_IP_address_flag field is a 1-bit Boolean flag, which indicates,when set, that a source IP address of the corresponding virtual channelexist for a specific multicast source.

A virtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field is a 1-bit Boolean flag,which indicates, when set, that the corresponding IP stream component isdelivered through IP datagrams with target IP addresses different fromthe virtual_channel_target_IP_address. Therefore, when the flag is set,the receiving system (or receiver) uses the component_target_IP_addressas the target_IP_address in order to access the corresponding IP streamcomponent. Accordingly, the receiving system (or receiver) may ignorethe virtual_channel_target_IP_address field included in the num_channelsloop.

The source_IP_address field corresponds to a 32-bit or 128-bit field.Herein, the source_IP_address field will be significant (or present),when the value of the source_IP_address_flag field is set to ‘1’.However, when the value of the source_IP_address_flag field is set to‘0’, the source_IP_address field will become insignificant (or absent).More specifically, when the source_IP_address_flag field value is set to‘1’, and when the IP_version_flag field value is set to ‘0’, thesource_IP_address field indicates a 32-bit IPv4 address, which shows thesource of the corresponding virtual channel. Alternatively, when theIP_version_flag field value is set to ‘1’, the source_IP_address fieldindicates a 128-bit IPv6 address, which shows the source of thecorresponding virtual channel.

The virtual_channel_target_IP_address field also corresponds to a 32-bitor 128-bit field. Herein, the virtual_channel_target_IP_address fieldwill be significant (or present), when the value of thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field is set to ‘1’. However,when the value of the virtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field isset to ‘0’, the virtual_channel_target_IP_address field will becomeinsignificant (or absent). More specifically, when thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field value is set to ‘1’, andwhen the IP_version_flag field value is set to ‘0’, thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address field indicates a 32-bit target IPv4address associated to the corresponding virtual channel. Alternatively,when the virtual_channel_target_IP_address_flag field value is set to‘1’, and when the IP_version_flag field value is set to ‘1’, thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address field indicates a 64-bit target IPv6address associated to the corresponding virtual channel. If thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address field is insignificant (or absent),the component_target_IP_address field within the num_channels loopshould become significant (or present). And, in order to enable thereceiving system to access the IP stream component, thecomponent_target_IP_address field should be used.

The EMT_activity_flag field indicates whether program table informationincluding additional information associated with the correspondingensemble exists. The program table information may describe informationon an additional service that is not described in a service of thecorresponding ensemble in the SMT. Herein, the program table informationwill be referred to as an extended service map table (EMT). And, the EMTwill now be described in more detail. The receiving system (or receiver)uses the EMT_activity_flag field to determine whether an extendedservice map table (EMT), which describes additional service informationassociated with the corresponding SMT, is additionally transmitted inthe broadcast signal. For example, when the EMT_activity_flag fieldvalue is equal to ‘1’, the EMT is transmitted to the correspondingensemble. On the other hand, when the EMT_activity_flag field value isequal to ‘0’, the EMT is not transmitted to the corresponding ensemble.

Meanwhile, the SMT according to the embodiment of the present inventionuses a ‘for’ loop statement in order to provide information on aplurality of components.

Herein, an RTP_payload_type field, which is assigned with 7 bits,identifies the encoding format of the component based upon Table 3 shownbelow. When the IP stream component is not encapsulated to RTP, theRTP_payload_type field shall be ignored (or deprecated).

Table 3 below shows an example of the RTP_payload_type.

TABLE 3 RTP_payload_type Meaning 35 AVC video 36 MH audio 37 to 72[Reserved for future ATSC use]

A component_target_IP_address_flag field is a 1-bit Boolean flag, whichindicates, when set, that the corresponding IP stream component isdelivered through IP datagrams with target IP addresses different fromthe virtual_channel_target_IP_address. Furthermore, when thecomponent_target_IP_address_flag is set, the receiving system (orreceiver) uses the component_target_IP_address field as the target IPaddress for accessing the corresponding IP stream component.Accordingly, the receiving system (or receiver) will ignore thevirtual_channel_target_IP_address field included in the num_channelsloop.

The component_target_IP_address field corresponds to a 32-bit or 128-bitfield. Herein, when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to‘0’, the component_target_IP_address field indicates a 32-bit targetIPv4 address associated to the corresponding IP stream component. And,when the value of the IP_version_flag field is set to ‘1’, thecomponent_target_IP_address field indicates a 128-bit target IPv6address associated to the corresponding IP stream component.

A port_num_count field is a 6-bit field, which indicates the number ofUDP ports associated with the corresponding IP stream component. Atarget UDP port number value starts from the target_UDP_port_num fieldvalue and increases (or is incremented) by 1. For the RTP stream, thetarget UDP port number should start from the target_UDP_port_num fieldvalue and shall increase (or be incremented) by 2. This is toincorporate RTCP streams associated with the RTP streams.

A target_UDP_port_num field is a 16-bit unsigned integer field, whichrepresents the target UDP port number for the corresponding IP streamcomponent. When used for RTP streams, the value of thetarget_UDP_port_num field shall correspond to an even number. And, thenext higher value shall represent the target UDP port number of theassociated RTCP stream.

A component_level_descriptor( ) represents zero or more descriptorsproviding additional information on the corresponding IP streamcomponent.

A virtual_channel_level_descriptor( ) represents zero or moredescriptors providing additional information for the correspondingvirtual channel.

An ensemble_level_descriptor( ) represents zero or more descriptorsproviding additional information for the MH ensemble, which is describedby the corresponding SMT.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHaudio descriptor according to the present invention.

When at least one audio service is present as a component of the currentevent, the MH_audio_descriptor( ) shall be used as acomponent_level_descriptor of the SMT. The MH_audio_descriptor( ) may becapable of informing the system of the audio language type and stereomode status. If there is no audio service associated with the currentevent, then it is preferable that the MH_audio_descriptor( ) isconsidered to be insignificant (or absent) for the current event.

Each field shown in the bit stream syntax of FIG. 18 will now bedescribed in detail.

A descriptor_tag field is an 8-bit unsigned integer having a TBD value,which indicates that the corresponding descriptor is theMH_audio_descriptor( ).

A descriptor_length field is also an 8-bit unsigned integer, whichindicates the length (in bytes) of the portion immediately following thedescriptor_length field up to the end of the MH_audio_descriptor( ).

A channel_configuration field corresponds to an 8-bit field indicatingthe number and configuration of audio channels. The values ranging from‘1’ to ‘6’ respectively indicate the number and configuration of audiochannels as given for “Default bit stream index number” in Table 42 ofISO/IEC 13818-7:2006. All other values indicate that the number andconfiguration of audio channels are undefined.

A sample_rate_code field is a 3-bit field, which indicates the samplerate of the encoded audio data. Herein, the indication may correspond toone specific sample rate, or may correspond to a set of values thatinclude the sample rate of the encoded audio data as defined in TableA3.3 of ATSC A/52B.

A bit_rate_code field corresponds to a 6-bit field. Herein, among the 6bits, the lower 5 bits indicate a nominal bit rate. More specifically,when the most significant bit (MSB) is ‘0’, the corresponding bit rateis exact. On the other hand, when the most significant bit (MSB) is ‘0’,the bit rate corresponds to an upper limit as defined in Table A3.4 ofATSC A/53B.

An ISO_(—)639_language_code field is a 24-bit (i.e., 3-byte) fieldindicating the language used for the audio stream component, inconformance with ISO 639.2/B [x]. When a specific language is notpresent in the corresponding audio stream component, the value of eachbyte will be set to ‘0x00’.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHRTP payload type descriptor according to the present invention.

The MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) specifies the RTP payload type.Yet, the MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) exists only when the dynamicvalue of the RTP_payload_type field within the num_components loop ofthe SMT is in the range of ‘96’ to ‘127’. TheMH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) is used as acomponent_level_descriptor of the SMT.

The MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor translates (or matches) a dynamicRTP_payload_type field value into (or with) a MIME type. Accordingly,the receiving system (or receiver) may collect (or gather) the encodingformat of the IP stream component, which is encapsulated in RTP.

The fields included in the MH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ) will now bedescribed in detail.

A descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer havingthe value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as theMH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ).

A descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer,which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portion immediatelyfollowing the descriptor_length field up to the end of theMH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ).

An RTP_payload_type field corresponds to a 7-bit field, which identifiesthe encoding format of the IP stream component. Herein, the dynamicvalue of the RTP_payload_type field is in the range of ‘96’ to ‘127’.

A MIME_type_length field specifies the length (in bytes) of a MIME_typefield.

The MIME_type field indicates the MIME type corresponding to theencoding format of the IP stream component, which is described by theMH_RTP_payload_type_descriptor( ).

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHcurrent event descriptor according to the present invention.

The MH_current_event_descriptor( ) shall be used as thevirtual_channel_level_descriptor( ) within the SMT. Herein, theMH_current_event_descriptor( ) provides basic information on the currentevent (e.g., the start time, duration, and title of the current event,etc.), which is transmitted via the respective virtual channel.

The fields included in the MH_current_event_descriptor( ) will now bedescribed in detail.

A descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer havingthe value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as theMH_current_event_descriptor( ).

A descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer,which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portion immediatelyfollowing the descriptor_length field up to the end of theMH_current_event_descriptor( ).

An event_id field corresponds to a 16-bit field representing anidentifier for identifying the corresponding event.

A current_event_start_time field corresponds to a 32-bit unsignedinteger quantity. The current_event_start_time field represents thestart time of the current event and, more specifically, as the number ofGPS seconds since 00:00:00 UTC, Jan. 6, 1980.

A current_event_duration field corresponds to a 24-bit field. Herein,the current_event_duration field indicates the duration of the currentevent in hours, minutes, and seconds (wherein the format is in 6 digits,4-bit BCD=24 bits).

A title_length field specifies the length (in bytes) of a title_textfield. Herein, the value ‘0’ indicates that there are no titles existingfor the corresponding event.

The title_text field indicates the title of the corresponding event inevent title in the format of a multiple string structure as defined inATSC A/65C [x].

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHnext event descriptor according to the present invention.

The optional MH_next_event_descriptor( ) shall be used as thevirtual_channel_level_descriptor( ) within the SMT. Herein, theMH_next_event_descriptor( ) provides basic information on the next event(e.g., the start time, duration, and title of the next event, etc.),which is transmitted via the respective virtual channel.

The fields included in the MH_next_event_descriptor( ) will now bedescribed in detail.

A descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer havingthe value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as theMH_next_event_descriptor( ).

A descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer,which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portion immediatelyfollowing the descriptor_length field up to the end of theMH_next_event_descriptor( ).

An event_id field corresponds to a 16-bit field representing anidentifier for identifying the corresponding event.

A next_event_start_time field corresponds to a 32-bit unsigned integerquantity. The next_event_start_time field represents the start time ofthe next event and, more specifically, as the number of GPS secondssince 00:00:00 UTC, Jan. 6, 1980.

A next_event_duration field corresponds to a 24-bit field. Herein, thenext_event_duration field indicates the duration of the next event inhours, minutes, and seconds (wherein the format is in 6 digits, 4-bitBCD=24 bits).

A title_length field specifies the length (in bytes) of a title_textfield. Herein, the value ‘0’ indicates that there are no titles existingfor the corresponding event.

The title_text field indicates the title of the corresponding event inevent title in the format of a multiple string structure as defined inATSC A/65C [x].

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an MHsystem time descriptor according to the present invention.

The MH_system_time_descriptor( ) shall be used as theensemble_level_descriptor( ) within the SMT. Herein, theMH_system_time_descriptor( ) provides information on current time anddate. The MH_system_time_descriptor( ) also provides information on thetime zone in which the transmitting system (or transmitter) transmittingthe corresponding broadcast stream is located, while taking intoconsideration the mobile/portable characteristics of the MH servicedata.

The fields included in the MH_system_time_descriptor( ) will now bedescribed in detail.

A descriptor_tag field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer havingthe value TBD, which identifies the current descriptor as theMH_system_time_descriptor( ).

A descriptor_length field also corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer,which indicates the length (in bytes) of the portion immediatelyfollowing the descriptor_length field up to the end of theMH_system_time_descriptor( ).

A system_time field corresponds to a 32-bit unsigned integer quantity.The system_time field represents the current system time and, morespecifically, as the number of GPS seconds since 00:00:00 UTC, Jan. 6,1980.

A GPS_UTC_offset field corresponds to an 8-bit unsigned integer, whichdefines the current offset in whole seconds between GPS and UTC timestandards. In order to convert GPS time to UTC time, the GPS_UTC_offsetis subtracted from GPS time. Whenever the International Bureau ofWeights and Measures decides that the current offset is too far inerror, an additional leap second may be added (or subtracted).Accordingly, the GPS_UTC_offset field value will reflect the change.

A time_zone_offset_polarity field is a 1-bit field, which indicateswhether the time of the time zone, in which the broadcast station islocated, exceeds (or leads or is faster) or falls behind (or lags or isslower) than the UTC time. When the value of thetime_zone_offset_polarity field is equal to ‘0’, this indicates that thetime on the current time zone exceeds the UTC time. Therefore, atime_zone_offset field value is added to the UTC time value. Conversely,when the value of the time_zone_offset_polarity field is equal to ‘1’,this indicates that the time on the current time zone falls behind theUTC time. Therefore, the time_zone_offset field value is subtracted fromthe UTC time value.

The time_zone_offset field is a 31-bit unsigned integer quantity. Morespecifically, the time_zone_offset field represents, in GPS seconds, thetime offset of the time zone in which the broadcast station is located,when compared to the UTC time.

A daylight_savings field corresponds to a 16-bit field providinginformation on the Summer Time (i.e., the Daylight Savings Time).

A time_zone field corresponds to a (5×8)-bit field indicating the timezone, in which the transmitting system (or transmitter) transmitting thecorresponding broadcast stream is located.

FIG. 23 illustrates segmentation and encapsulation processes of aservice map table (SMT) according to the present invention.

According to the present invention, the SMT is encapsulated to UDP,while including a target IP address and a target UDP port number withinthe IP datagram. More specifically, the SMT is first segmented into apredetermined number of sections, then encapsulated to a UDP header, andfinally encapsulated to an IP header.

In addition, the SMT section provides signaling information on allvirtual channel included in the MH ensemble including the correspondingSMT section. At least one SMT section describing the MH ensemble isincluded in each RS frame included in the corresponding MH ensemble.Finally, each SMT section is identified by an ensemble_id included ineach section.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, by informing thereceiving system of the target IP address and target UDP port number,the corresponding data (i.e., target IP address and target UDP portnumber) may be parsed without having the receiving system to request forother additional information.

For example, when the EMT_activity_flag field value in the SMT is equalto ‘1’ (i.e., when information that EMT is to be transmitted is set up),the EMT linked to the SMT may be transmitted to the ensemble, in whichthe SMT is transmitted. Just as the SMT, the EMT may be transmitted toeach ensemble by sections, which is the transmission unit of the EMT.Herein, the EMT may include a descriptor that describes the additionalservices transmitted by each ensemble. In the example shown in FIG. 24,information are set to indicate that the EMT is being transmitted to theSMT of both Ensemble 1 and Ensemble K. Furthermore, it is also indicatedthat EMT section 1, which is linked to SMT Section 1, and EMT section M,which is linked to SMT Section K, are also transmitted to Ensemble 1 andEnsemble K, respectively. Contents of the EMT will hereinafter bedescribed in detail.

FIG. 24 illustrates a flow chart for accessing a virtual channel usingFIC and SMT according to the present invention.

More specifically, a physical channel is tuned (S501). And, when it isdetermined that an MH signal exists in the tuned physical channel(S502), the corresponding MH signal is demodulated (S503). Additionally,FIC segments are grouped from the demodulated MH signal in sub-frameunits (S504 and S505).

According to the embodiment of the present invention, an FIC segment isinserted in a data group, so as to be transmitted. More specifically,the FIC segment corresponding to each data group described serviceinformation on the MH ensemble to which the corresponding data groupbelongs. When the FIC segments are grouped in sub-frame units and, then,deinterleaved, all service information on the physical channel throughwhich the corresponding FIC segment is transmitted may be acquired.Therefore, after the tuning process, the receiving system may acquirechannel information on the corresponding physical channel during asub-frame period. Once the FIC segments are grouped, in S504 and S505, abroadcast stream through which the corresponding FIC segment is beingtransmitted is identified (S506). For example, the broadcast stream maybe identified by parsing the transport_stream_id field of the FIC body,which is configured by grouping the FIC segments.

Furthermore, an ensemble identifier, a major channel number, a minorchannel number, channel type information, and so on, are extracted fromthe FIC body (S507). And, by using the extracted ensemble information,only the slots corresponding to the designated ensemble are acquired byusing the time-slicing method, so as to configure an ensemble (S508).

Subsequently, the RS frame corresponding to the designated ensemble isdecoded (S509), and an IP socket is opened for SMT reception (S510).

According to the example given in the embodiment of the presentinvention, the SMT is encapsulated to UDP, while including a target IPaddress and a target UDP port number within the IP datagram. Morespecifically, the SMT is first segmented into a predetermined number ofsections, then encapsulated to a UDP header, and finally encapsulated toan IP header. According to the embodiment of the present invention, byinforming the receiving system of the target IP address and target UDPport number, the receiving system parses the SMT sections and thedescriptors of each SMT section without requesting for other additionalinformation (S511).

The SMT section provides signaling information on all virtual channelincluded in the MH ensemble including the corresponding SMT section. Atleast one SMT section describing the MH ensemble is included in each RSframe included in the corresponding MH ensemble. Also, each SMT sectionis identified by an ensemble_id included in each section. The SMT mayinclude information indicating whether or not EMT, which transmitsinformation on additional services, is transmitted to the correspondingensemble.

Furthermore each SMT provides IP access information on each virtualchannel subordinate to the corresponding MH ensemble including each SMT.Finally, the SMT provides IP stream component level information requiredfor the servicing of the corresponding virtual channel.

Therefore, by using the information parsed from the SMT, the IP streamcomponent belonging to the virtual channel requested for reception maybe accessed (S513). Accordingly, the service associated with thecorresponding virtual channel is provided to the user (S514).

If it is determined in Step 512 that the SMT includes informationindicating that an EMT exists in the corresponding ensemble (S515:‘YES’), the EMT may be parsed in the corresponding ensemble so as toacquire the additional information (S516). Thereafter, by using theinformation acquired in Step 516, the additional services, which cannotbe described by the SMT, may be described, and the correspondingadditional services may then be provided.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary bit stream syntax structure of an EMTaccording to another embodiment of the present invention. Theabove-described SMT may describe a stream included in theservice-providing virtual channel and channel information on thecorresponding virtual channel. And, when the EMT_activity_flag field ofthe SMT is set up, an EMT, which is added to the SMT so as to describethe services that are to be provided, is transmitted.

Accordingly, the SMT may enable audio/video/data streams of thebroadcast signal to be swiftly or quickly outputted from the digitalbroadcast receiving system. And, the EMT may either provide moredetailed information on each virtual channel or describe the additionalservices.

Contents of the EMT will now be described in detail.

A table_id field is an 8-bit table identifier, which may be set up as anidentifier for identifying the EMT. A section_syntax_indicator fieldcorresponds to an indicator defining the section format of the EMT. Forexample, the section format may correspond to MPEG long-form syntax.

A Private_indicator field indicates whether or not the EMT follows (oris in accordance with) a private section. A reserved field correspondsto a non-designated field, and the value of the reserved field may, forexample, be set to ‘1’.

A section_length field indicates the section length of the correspondingEMT. A transport_stream_id field represents a transport_stream indicatorof a physical channel through which the corresponding EMT is beingtransmitted. Herein, also, a reserved field corresponds to anon-designated field, and the value of the reserved field may, forexample, be set to ‘1’.

A version_number field indicates the version number of the correspondingEMT. A current_next_indicator field indicates whether the data includedin subsequent EMT sections are currently applicable. A section_numberfield indicates the section number of the corresponding EMT.

A last_section_number field indicates the last section number of thecorresponding EMT. An EMT_protocol_version field indicates the protocolversion of the corresponding EMT section.

An ensemble_id field indicates an identification number of the ensemblewhich the EMT describes. A num_channels field indicates the number ofchannels included in the corresponding ensemble.

A major_channel_number field indicates the major channel number of thecorresponding virtual channel, and a minor_channel_number fieldindicates the minor channel number of the corresponding virtual channel.

A num_components field indicates the number of components included inthe corresponding virtual channel.

The EMT may include a descriptor with respect to each level. Forexample, the EMT may include a descriptor for a component level (i.e.,component_level_descriptor), a descriptor for an event level (i.e.,event_level_descriptor), a descriptor for a virtual channel level (i.e.,virtual_channel_level_descriptor), and a descriptor for an ensemblelevel (i.e., ensemble_level_descriptor).

More specifically, the component_level_descriptor may includeinformation on the corresponding component.

A num_events field indicates a number of events included in an event.

And, the event_level_descriptor may include information on thecorresponding event. Furthermore, the virtual_channel_level_descriptorand ensemble descriptor for each virtual channel may respectivelyinclude information on the corresponding virtual channel and thecorresponding ensemble (i.e., ensemble_level_descriptor).

For example, the SMT describes basic information on a virtual channel ofan ensemble, whereas the EMT may deliver (or transmit) additionalservice information or detailed information on additional service withrespect to the virtual channel included in the corresponding ensemblevia descriptors for each level. The descriptor for the EMT may includeprogram guide information for the virtual channel, informationassociated with data broadcasting, information associated withinteractive services, permission information associated with whether ornot access to each virtual channel has been permitted, and so on.

Furthermore, a descriptor for an audio component among the virtualchannel components shown in FIG. 18, a descriptor for which the virtualchannel describes a current/next event, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20,and a descriptor describing a system time, as shown in FIG. 22, may beincluded in the EMT so as to be transmitted and received.

Also, the above-described EMT (or SMT according to the second embodimentof the present invention) may be divided into constant units, such assection units. Herein, each of the section units may describe anensemble.

When an SMT is received, the SI handler 240 of the receiving systemshown in FIG. 1 may parse the SMT. Herein, when the SI handler 240acquires information indicating that an EMT included in the SMT is beingreceived, the SI handler 240 may receive the EMT from the IP networkstack 220. The SI handler 240 may include an EMT parser, which parsesdetailed information on the virtual channel included in the EMT and,then, stores the parsed information in the storage unit 290. The MHmanagement processor 200 reads the information parsed from the EMT fromthe storage unit 290. Then, the MH management processor 200 delivers (orsends) the read information to the MH baseband processor 100 or the MHpresentation processor 300.

For example, when the information parsed from the EMT corresponds toinformation associated with a current or next event, or when theinformation parsed from the EMT corresponds to information associatedwith data broadcasting, the MH presentation processor 300 may controlthe system so that the information associated with an event orinformation associated with data broadcasting, which is delivered to theEMT, can be displayed to the user.

Furthermore, when the additional information parsed from the EMTcorresponds to permission information on the storage or copying ofspecific broadcast data content, the MH management processor 200 maystore or copy the broadcast data content received from a broadcastsignal based upon the corresponding permission information.

For example, when the application manager activates an application foradditional service, such as data broadcasting, and when the additionalservice information transmitted to the EMT is read from the storage unit290, the corresponding additional service information may be used toprovide the additional service to the user.

Therefore, by using the information delivered to the above-described EMT(or SMT according to the second embodiment of the present invention),the receiving system (or receiver) may provide additional serviceinformation, which is associated with the corresponding ensemble,virtual channel, and component of the virtual channel, to the user alongwith the broadcast signal.

As described above, the present invention may provide a servicetransmitted through a virtual channel by using the SMT. The presentinvention may also identify that the EMT is being transmitted from theSMT. Furthermore, the present invention may acquire detailed additionalinformation associated with the component included in the virtualchannel, the event, the virtual channel, and the ensemble from the EMT.

Thereafter, the present invention may provide the detailed additionalinformation acquired from the EMT as an additional service.

Therefore, the receiving system can provide additional serviceinformation associated with ensemble, virtual channel, and component ofthe virtual channel to the user together with the broadcasting signal byusing the information transferred as SMT or EMT.

As described above, according to the present invention, the receivingsystem can provide the service transmitted to the virtual channel byusing the SMT, and can identify that the EMT is transmitted from theSMT. Also, the receiving system can obtain detailed additionalinformation of the component included in the virtual channel, the event,the virtual channel, and the ensemble, from the SMT or the EMT. Then,the receiving system can provide the detailed additional information asadditional service or can control the received broadcasting contents byusing permission information. A detailed example of transferring thepermission information will be described below.

Meanwhile, a download content for a data broadcast service can betransmitted via DSM-CC protocol. In the following description of thepresent invention, for clarity and convenience of explanation, adownload content transmitted/received via the DSM-CC protocol shall becalled a DSM-CC download content.

The DSM-CC download content can be transmitted on the MPEG-2 base or theIP base.

The DSM-CC download content can be transmitted by a data/object carouselscheme. This data/object carousel scheme means that the same data istransmitted repeatedly and periodically.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of an encoding process for data/objectcarousel transmission according to one embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 6, a service gateway (Service Gateway) is a rootdirectory, DIR indicates a directory, and FILE indicates a file. And,they are DSM-CC objects defined by DSM-CC.

The DSM-CC objects include a stream (STR), a stream event (STE) and thelike as well as the service gateway (Service Gateway), the DIR and theFILE. Each of the Service Gateway and the DIR has information on asub-list and the FILE is the object that actually has data bytes. Eachof the stream and the stream event plays a role in connecting A/V dataaccording to a request/situation.

In the most upper part of FIG. 26, an example for configuration of theService Gateway, the DIR and the FILE is represented. They are theDSM-CC objects. Since each Service Gateway/DIR has information on theconnection of the lower FILE/DIR object, each of the DSM-CC objects canbe identified even if the DSM-CC objects are enumerated. Moreover, it isable to configure a DSM-CC module by gathering several DSM-CC objectsappropriately.

The DSM-CC module includes an ID field, a version field and a payloadfield. A plurality of DSM-CC objects are inserted in the payload field,a unique identifier for identifying a corresponding DSM-CC module isindicated by the ID field, and a version number of a correspondingDSM-CC module is indicated by the version field. Moreover, it is able toconfigure a single DSM-CC group by gathering a plurality of DSM-CCmodules together.

The DSM-CC objects of the payload of each of the DSM-CC modules arediscriminated from each other by a unit of DDB (DownloadDataBlock) fortransport. When the DDB is transported through a data carousel, a DII(DownloadInfoIndication) message is configured to provide a receivingsystem with information on each of the DSM-CC modules. And, informationon DDBs is included in the DII message.

As the number of the DSM-CC modules is excessively large, if the DSM-CCmodules are unable to join a single DSM-CC group or if several DSM-CCgroups are needed to provide convenience in management, several DSM-CCgroups are provided in a manner that DSM-CC modules are divided to beincluded in several DII messages.

Moreover, it is able to configure a super group by gathering a pluralityof DSM-CC groups together. Besides, in order to inform a receiver ofinformation on each of the DSM-CC groups, a DSI (DownloadServerInitiate)message containing information on DIIs is configured.

In particular, target systems in DSM-CC can be classified into a usersystem including a client and a server and a network system including aservice and resource manager (SRM). The DSM-CC regulates an interfacebetween the above classified systems. An interface between user systemsis defined as U-U (user-to-user) interface, while an interface between auser system and a network system is defined as a U-N (user-to-network)interface.

Messages are delivered between the U-U interface and the U-N interface.Each of the messages includes a formalized message header and anactually delivered message. The UN message includes DSI(DownloadServerInitiate) message, DII (DownloadInfoIndication) message,DDB (DownloadDataBlock) message, DownloadCancel message or the like. TheDSI message delivers information of DSM-CC groups within a super groupand the DII message delivers information on DSM-CC modules within theDSM-CC group. The DDB message delivers a DSM-CC download content that isa data block, i.e., actual data. And, the Download Cancel message isdelivered when a download scenario is terminated. In particular, thedata carousel is the mechanism for transmitting a DSM-CC moduleperiodically. And, the object carousel is the mechanism for transmittinga DSM-CC U-U file and a hierarchical structure of a directoryperiodically.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, DSM-CC dataincluding a download content is transmitted based on IP.

FIG. 27 is a diagram of a protocol stack in case of transmitting DSM-CCdata based on IP according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 27, DSM-CC data is packetized by an RTP (real timeprotocol) scheme, an RTP packet is then packetized by a UDP (userdatagram protocol) scheme, an RTP/UDP packet is then packetized by an IPscheme to become RTP/UDP/IP packet data. In the present invention, thepacketized RTP/UDP/IP packet data shall be called an IP packet. Inparticular, the IP packet includes an IP header, a UDP header, an RTPheader and a payload. DCM-CC download content is carried on the payloadof the IP packet. The packetization of the download content according tothe RTP scheme is for the synchronization of an A/V serviceinteroperating with the download content using a time stamp of RTP.

The IP packetized DSM-CC data is packetized into MPEG-2 TS (transportstream) in a transport stream layer. The MPE-2 TS packet is modulated inMH physical layer by a predetermined transmission scheme, e.g., VSBtransmission scheme or the like and is then transmitted to a receivingsystem.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the transportstream layer can be omitted. In particular, the IP packet is modulatedin the MH physical layer by the predetermined transmission scheme suchas the VSB transmission scheme and the like and can be then transmittedto the receiving system.

Thus, if the DSM-CC data is transmitted, the receiving system receivesthe DSM-CC data and should be able process the DSM-CC download contentincluded in the received DSM-CC data.

For this, according to the present invention, signaling information, bywhich a fact that the download content is transmitted by the DSM-CCprotocol can be recognized, is transmitted.

The signaling information can be transmitted in a descriptor format or afield format.

Moreover, the signaling information can be transmitted by being includedin mobile service data or a program table.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the signalinginformation is transmitted in a descriptor format in a manner of beingincluded in at least one table selected from the group consisting of SMTand EMT. In the following description, a descriptor included in the atleast one table selected from the group consisting of the SMT and theEMT shall be named a data broadcast descriptor. The data broadcastdescriptor will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 30. Thesyntax structure of the SMT is shown in FIG. 17, which is described indetail in the foregoing description. The syntax structure of the EMT isshown in FIG. 25, which is described in detail in the foregoingdescription. In the following description for one embodiment of thepresent invention, a data broadcast descriptor is transmitted in amanner of being included in the SMT.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in case thatDSM-CC download content is transmitted, the transmission is performed ina manner that a combination service is represented on service_type fieldof a corresponding SMT. In this case, the combination service means aplurality of services such as ‘A/V service+data service (TV+Data)’,‘audio service+data service (Audio+Data)’, etc.

FIG. 28 is a diagram of an example for representing ‘combinationservice’ on service_type field of SMT according to the presentinvention. In particular, ‘combination service’ is represented using anunused one of the service_type field values shown in Table 2, e.g.,0x04.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, in case thatDSM-CC download content is transmitted, the transmission is performed ina manner that DSM-CC data delivery is represented on RTP_payload_typefield of a corresponding SMT.

FIG. 29 is a diagram of an example for representing ‘DSM-CC datadelivery’ on RTP_payload_type field according to the present invention.In particular, ‘DSM-CC data delivery’ is represented using an unused oneof the RTP_payload_type field values shown in Table 3, e.g., 0x38.

FIG. 30 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a data broadcastdescriptor Data_Braodcast_Descriptor( ) according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

Referring to FIG. 30, eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_tag fieldfor example. And, the descriptor_tag field indicates that acorresponding descriptor is Data_Broadcast_Descriptor( ).

Eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_length field for example. Thisfield indicates a byte length from this field to an end of thisdescriptor.

Four bits are allocated to a stream_type field for example. This fieldindicates a stream type of the DSM-CC. For instance, if a value of thestream_type field is 0xB, it can be recognized that the DSM-CC data istransmitted in DSM-CC U-N (user-to-network) message.

Four bits are allocated to a data_broadcast_id field for example. Thisfield indicates a transport protocol of the DSM-CC data. For instance,if a value of the data_broadcast_id field is 0x01, it can be recognizedthat the DSM-CC data is transported by a data carousel protocol. In thiscase, the transport protocol can include data piping, data streaming,multiprotocol encapsulation, data/object carousel or the like.

Two bits are allocated to a carousel_type_id field for example. If avalue of the data_broadcast_id field indicates a data carousel, a valuefor identifying a carousel type is indicated. For instance, if a valueof the carousel_type_id field is 01, it means that a carousel type isone layer data carousel. If a value of the carousel_type_id field is 10,it means that a carousel type is two layer data carousel.

Eight bits are allocated to an application_id field for example. Thisfield indicates a data type of a download content included in the DSM-CCdata. For instance, if a value of the application_id field is 0x01, itmeans that a DSM-CC download content is TPEG.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to a transaction_id field for example.This field indicates a unique identifier for identifying a servicegateway object. The transaction_id field can be represented as acombination of DSM-CC group ID and a group version number. A value ofthe transaction_id field has the same value of transaction_id of the DSIor DII message on a most upper level. For instance, if a value of thetransaction_id field is 0xFFFFFFFF, it means that all the receivedmessages DSI and DII are valid.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to a time_out_value_DSI field for example.This field indicates a timeout value required for receiving a DSImessage. For instance, a unit of the time_out_value_DSI field is ‘ms’.If a value of the time_out_value_DSI field is 0xFFFFFFFF, it means thatthe time_out_value_DSI field is not used.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to time_out_value_DII field for example.This field indicates a timeout value required for receiving a DIImessage. For instance, a unit of the time_out_value_DII field is ‘ms’.If a value of the time_out_value_DII field is 0xFFFFFFFF, it means thatthe time_out_value_DII field is not used.

Twenty-two bits are allocated to a leak_rate field for example. Thisfield indicates a data delivery rate.

The above-explained data broadcast descriptor Data_Broadcast_Descriptor() can transmitted as at least one selected from the group consisting ofan ensemble level descriptor of SMT, a virtual channel level descriptorof SMT and a component level descriptor of SMT. According to oneembodiment of the present invention, the data broadcast descriptorData_Broadcast_Descriptor( ) is transmitted as the component leveldescriptor.

In particular, the data carousel can be one layer data carousel type, asshown in FIG. 31, or two layer data carousel type, as shown in FIG. 32.

First of all, the structure of the one layer data carousel structureshown in FIG. 31 is explained. IN particular, data transmitted in thedata carousel format includes DSM-CC module 611 that is divided into aplurality of data blocks. The entire data blocks of all DSM-CC moduleswithin the data carousel are equal in size except a last data block.And, the DSM-CC module 611 is a logical discrimination unit for datawithin the data carousel.

In the two layer data carousel structure shown in FIG. 32, DSM-CC module621 constructs a cluster and can be included in one DSM-CC group 631.Likewise, the DSM-CC group 631 constructs a cluster and can be thenincluded in one super group 641.

In particular, a data carousel can have 1- or 2-layer controlinformation. A simplest type data carousel is a data carousel having1-layer control information for describing a single DSM-CC group. Inthis case, corresponding SMT 600 a or 600 b includesData_Broadcast_Descriptor( ) as shown in FIG. 30.

In this case, the DII message, which carries information on DSM-CCmodules within DSM-CC group, describes DSM-CC modules within a datacarousel using ModuleInfoBytes (mi) field. The mi field can includedescriptors that can have various kinds of information such as a pointerfor DDB message and the like.

If two layer cluster is necessary, an individual DSM-CC group includedin the super group 641 is described using DSI message. In this case, theDII message is used in the same manner of the 1-layer data carousel.

The DSI message describes each DSM-CC group within a super group usingGroupInfoBytes (gi) field. The gi field can include descriptors that canhave various kinds of information.

Meanwhile, a receiving system according to the present invention is ableto provide a user with a download estimated time of DSM-CC group orDSM-CC module. For this, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, a download estimated time is transmitted in a format of fieldor descriptor.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a download timedescriptor is generated. The download time descriptor is thentransmitted in a manner of being included in the DSI or DII message. Ifthe download time descriptor is transmitted by being included in the DSImessage, a receiving system is able to provide a user with a service ofa download estimated time of DSM-CC group. If the download timedescriptor is transmitted by being included in the DII message, areceiving system is able to provide a user with a service of a downloadestimated time of DSM-CC module.

FIG. 33 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a download timedescriptor est_download_time_Descriptor( ) according to one embodimentof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 33, eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_tag fieldfor example. And, the descriptor_tag field indicates that acorresponding descriptor is est_download_time_Descriptor( ).

Eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_length field for example. Thisfield indicates a byte length from this field to an end of thisdescriptor.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to an est_download_time field for example.This field indicates a download estimated time of a corresponding DSM-CCgroup or module. In particular, the est_download_time field representsan integer value corresponding to an estimated time taken fordownloading a DSM-CC group or module.

A receiving system extracts a download estimated time of a correspondingDSM-CC group or DSM-CC module by parsing theest_download_time_Descriptoro from DSI or DII message and is then ableto provide a user with a service of the extracted download estimatedtime in an OSD (on screen display) form.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, for errorcorrection of data carried by DDB, i.e., a DSM-CC download content, itis able to transmit a CRC (cyclic redundancy check) descriptorCRC_(—)32_Descriptoro that is included in a DII message.

FIG. 34 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a CRC descriptorCRC_(—)32_Descriptoro according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

Referring to FIG. 34, eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_tag fieldfor example. And, the descriptor_tag field indicates that acorresponding descriptor is CRC_(—)32_Descriptor( ).

Eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_length field for example. Thisfield indicates a byte length from this field to an end of thisdescriptor.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to a CRC32 field for example. This fieldindicates a value of 32-bit CRC for error correction.

A receiving system checks a presence or non-presence of error of aDSM-CC download content carried by a DSC-CC module in a manner ofparsing CRC_(—)32_Descriptor( ) from the DII message. The receivingsystem then performs error correction on the DSM-CC download contentaccording to a result of the check.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, it is ableto transmit compressed information of DSM-CC download content. Thecompressed information is transmitted in a descriptor format by beingincluded in a DII message for example.

FIG. 35 is a diagram of a bitstream syntax structure of a compresseddescriptor Compressed_module_Descriptor( ) according to one embodimentof the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 35, eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_tag fieldfor example. And, the descriptor_tag field indicates that acorresponding descriptor is Compressed_module_Descriptor( ).

Eight bits are allocated to a descriptor_length field for example. Thisfield indicates a byte length from this field to an end of thisdescriptor.

Eight bits are allocated to a compressed_method field for example. Thisfield indicates a compression scheme of a corresponding DSM-CC module.

Thirty-two bits are allocated to an original size field for example.This field indicates a data size before compression.

If the Compressed_module_Descriptor( ) is parsed from the DII message, areceiving system is able to know a compression scheme and original sizeof DSM-CC download content.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart for a method of receiving a DSM-CC downloadcontent according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 36, if a channel including a specific mobile serviceto be received is tuned to and modulated (S701), FIC is parsed andstored from each data group of the modulated mobile service data (S702).SMT is parsed from each ensemble and is then stored (S703).

The FIC is transmitted by being allocated to a predetermined part of thedata group. In particular, an FIC area allocated to each data groupconstructs a single FIC segment. Theses FIC segments are de-interleavedper MH subframe to construct a single completed FIC body.

The SMT is transmitted by being included in each ensemble. The structureof the FIC, the method of parsing the FIC, the structure of the SMT andthe method of parsing the SMT are explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 1 to 24. Hence, their details will be omitted in the followingdescription.

Subsequently, it is checked whether a value of RTP_payload_type field ofthe SMP parsed in the step S703 indicates a DSM-CC data delivery (S704).If it is checked that the field value indicates the DSM-CC data deliveryin the step S704, after attributes of data content have been acquired byparsing a data broadcast descriptor Data_broadcast_descriptor( )included in the SMT, a DSM-CC download content is extracted from thereceived DSM-CC data and is then stored (S705).

In this case, it is checked whether est_download_time_descriptor( ) isincluded in DSI or DII message within the DSM-CC data (S706). Theest_download_time_descriptor( ) can be included in at least one of theDSI message and the DII message or may not be included in neither theDSI message or the DII message.

If the est_download_time_descriptor( ) is included in at least one ofthe DSI message and the DII message in the step S706, an estimateddownload time of a download content is extracted from theest_download_time_descriptor( ) and is then displayed as OSD on aprescribed portion of a screen shown in FIG. 37 (S707). If theest_download_time_descriptor( ) is included in the DSI message, anestimated download time of DSM-CC download content carried by acorresponding DSM-CC group is displayed. If theest_download_time_descriptor( ) is included in the DII message, anestimated download time of DSM-CC content carried by a correspondingDSM-CC module is displayed.

If the estimated download time of the download content is displayed, adownload completion is simultaneously checked [S708]. This is to displaythe estimated download time of the download content while the downloadcontent is received and stored only.

The receiving system shown in FIG. 1 can further include a DSM-CChandler for processing the above-explained DSM-CC download content. Ifthe DSM-CC download content, as shown in FIG. 27, is transmitted basedon IP, the DSM-CC handler can be provided between the IP network stack220 and the storage unit 290. Detailed operations of the DSM-CC handlerwill be explained later.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram of a receiving system according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 38, a receiving system according to another embodimentof the present invention includes a host 800, a baseband processor 801,an RS frame handler 802, an A/V decoder 803, a display module 804, anFIC handler 806, an SMT handler 807, a channel/service map database (DB)808, a DSM-CC handler 809, a contents storage unit 810 and a contentsprocessor 811.

The host 800 can include a central processing unit (CPU), the operationcontroller 110 shown in FIG. 1 or the physical adaptive control signalhandler 216.

The baseband processor 801 can include the baseband processor 100 shownin FIG. 1 as it is.

In particular, an RS frame demodulated and error-corrected by thebaseband processor 801 is outputted to the RS frame handler 802, whileFIC is outputted to the FIC handler 806. The FIC handler 806 parses theFIC delivered from the baseband processor 801 and stores FIC data of theparsing result in the channel/service map DB 808 via the host 800. Thechannel/service map DB 808 stores information on all service maps toenable a receiver to access thereto. And, the channel/service map DB 808plays a role in enabling the host 800 to use the information ifnecessary. In this case, the ‘access’ means that a presence ornon-presence of a service no matter what the receiver can consume it.Yet, in case of a service that targets a specific receiver provided by aservice provider, receivers except the specific receiver may not be ableto access the database. And, the channel-service map DB 808 maycorrespond to the storage unit 290 shown in FIG. 1.

The RS frame handler 802 processes IP based A/V mobile service data fromthe RS frame transmitted by the baseband processor 801 with apredetermined time interval (e.g., MH frame) set up by the host 800 andthen outputs the processed data to the A/V decoder 803. The A/V mobileservice data decoded by the A/V decoder 803 is provided to a user viathe screen and speaker of the display module 804.

If SMT section is included in the RS frame, the RS frame handler 802outputs the SMT section to the SMT handler 807. The SMT handler 807completes a single SMT by gathering at least one or more SMT sectionstogether. The completed SMT is parsed and the parsing result is thenstored in the channel/service map DB 808 via the host 800. If the SMT isparsed, it is able to obtain MH ensemble level signaling information, IPaccess information of each virtual channel belonging to a correspondingMH ensemble having each SMT included therein and IP stream componentlevel information necessary for a service of a corresponding virtualchannel.

In this case, if service_type field of the parsed SMT is 0x03 (i.e.,data only service) or 0x04 (i.e., combination service), the host 800checks whether a value of RTP_payload_type field indicates a DSM-CC datadelivery. If the value of the RTP_payload_type field is 0x38, i.e., ifthis value indicates the DSM-CC data delivery, the RS frame handler 802is controlled to enable DSM-CC data within the RS frame to be outputtedto the DSM-CC handler 809.

The DSM-CC group and module within a data carousel carrying the DSM-CCdata can have a specific PID or shared PID. In this case, the PID isused as position reference information. If the position referenceinformation is not specifically given, a position is endowed from such acontrol message as DSI and DII. Arrows in FIG. 31 or FIG. 32 indicateaccess information for obtaining a message indicated by an arrow.

The DSM-CC handler 809 can further include a DSM-CC memory (not shown inthe drawing) and identifies DSI/DII message and DDB from the DSM-CC datausing the position informations. According to the identified DSI/DIImessage, the DSM-CC handler 809 enables the received DSM-CC downloadcontent to be stored per data block in the DSM-CC memory. Alternatively,the DSM-CC memory can be replaced by the storage unit 290 shown in FIG.1.

In this case, if such a download time descriptor as shown in FIG. 33 isincluded in the DSI message, the DSM-CC handler 809 displays a downloadestimated time of a corresponding DSM-CC group, as shown in FIG. 37, inOSD form via the display module 804. If the download time descriptor isincluded in the DII message, the download estimated time of thecorresponding DSM-CC module is displayed on the screen.

If a CRC descriptor, as shown in FIG. 34, is included in the DIImessage, the DSM-CC handler 809 is able to perform error correction ofthe corresponding DSM-CC module using the CRC32 field value parsed fromthe CRC descriptor.

If the reception of the DSM-CC download content is completed by theDSM-CC handler 809, the DSM-CC download content is stored in thecontents storage unit 810. In this case, the download estimated time isdisplayed until the reception of the DSM-CC download content iscompleted.

The contents processor 811 drives a corresponding application accordingto a user request and then provide the user with the DSC-CC downloadcontent stored in the contents storage unit 810. In this case, if theDSM-CC download content is interconnected to the A/V mobile service, aDSM-CC download content corresponding to the A/V mobile service issimultaneously provided to the user. The DSM-CC download contentcorresponding to the A/V mobile service can be synchronized using a timestamp of RTP within a corresponding IP packet. And, a presence ornon-presence of interconnection between the A/V mobile service and theDSM-CC data content can be acquired from a value of service_type fieldof SMT.

As mentioned in the above description, the present inventionencapsulates A/V mobile service data and DSM-CC data into IP packetaccording to RTP, UDP and IP, hereby providing a user with the A/Vmobile service interconnected to a corresponding DSM-CC downloadcontent.

And, the present invention transmits signaling information for receivinga download content using DSM-CC by having the signaling informationincluded in a program table (e.g., SMT, EMT), thereby enabling areceiver, which does not support Flute, to receive the download content.

Moreover, the present invention provides a user with a downloadestimated time taken to download a DSM-CC group or a DSM-CC module,thereby facilitating the user to download it.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, itis intended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

1. A receiving system comprising: a baseband processor receiving abroadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data,the mobile service data configuring an RS frame, the RS frame includingthe mobile service data, DSM-CC (digital storage media-command andcontrol) data and a table describing at least one channel configurationinformation on the mobile service data and signaling information of theDSM-CC data; a table handler extracting the at least one channelconfiguration information on the mobile service data and the signalinginformation of the DSM-CC data by parsing the table from the RS frame; aDSM-CC handler parsing the DSM-CC data from the RS frame based on theextracted signaling information of the DSM-CC data, the DSM-CC handlerstoring the parsed DSM-CC data, the DSM-CC handler extracting a downloadestimated time from the DSM-CC data, the DSM-CC handler outputting theextracted download estimated time; and a display module displaying thedownload estimated time of the DSM-CC data outputted from the DSM-CChandler on a prescribed portion of a screen.
 2. The receiving system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one data group configuring the RS frameincludes a plurality of known data sequences, wherein a signalinginformation area is included between a first known data sequence and asecond known data sequence among a plurality of the known datasequences, and wherein the signaling information area includestransmission parameter channel (TPC) signaling and fast informationchannel (FIC) signaling.
 3. The receiving system of claim 2, wherein thebaseband processor further includes a known data detecting unitdetecting the known data sequence included in the data group and whereinthe detected known data sequence is used for demodulation of the mobileservice data and channel equalization.
 4. The receiving system of claim1, wherein the signaling information of the DSM-CC data is received bybeing included as a descriptor in a service map table (SMT).
 5. Thereceiving system of claim 4, wherein the signaling information includesat least one selected from the group consisting of stream typeinformation, data broadcast identification information, carouselidentification information, application identification information,transaction identification information, DSI (DownloadServerInitiate)time-out information and DII (DownloadInfoIndication) time-outinformation.
 6. The receiving system of claim 1, wherein the DSM-CChandler parses a DSI (DownloadServerInitiate) message deliveringinformation on a DSM-CC group from the DSM-CC data, extracts a downloadestimated time of a corresponding DSM-CC group from the parsed DSImessage, and then outputs the extracted download estimated time.
 7. Thereceiving system of claim 1, wherein the DSM-CC handler parses a DII(DownloadServerIndication) message delivering information on a DSM-CCmodule from the DSM-CC data, extracts a download estimated time of acorresponding DSM-CC module from the parsed DII message, and thenoutputs the extracted download estimated time.
 8. The receiving systemof claim 7, wherein the DSM-CC handler extracts error detectioninformation from the DII message and then performs error correction onthe corresponding SM-CC module.
 9. A method of processing data in areceiving system, comprising the steps of: receiving a broadcast signalincluding mobile service data and main service data, the mobile servicedata configuring an RS frame, the RS frame including the mobile servicedata, DSM-CC (digital storage media-command and control) data and atable describing at least one channel configuration information on themobile service data and signaling information of the DSM-CC data;extracting the at least one channel configuration information on themobile service data and the signaling information of the DSM-CC data byparsing the table from the RS frame; parsing the DSM-CC data from the RSframe based on the extracted signaling information of the DSM-CC data,storing the parsed DSM-CC data, extracting a download estimated timefrom the DSM-CC data, outputting the extracted download estimated time;and displaying the download estimated time of the DSM-CC data on aprescribed portion of a screen.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein atleast one data group configuring the RS frame includes a plurality ofknown data sequences, wherein a signaling information area is includedbetween a first known data sequence and a second known data sequenceamong a plurality of the known data sequences, and wherein the signalinginformation area includes transmission parameter channel (TPC) signalingand fast information channel (FIC) signaling.
 11. The method of claim 9,wherein the signaling information of the DSM-CC data is received bybeing included as a descriptor in a service map table (SMT).
 12. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the signaling information includes at leastone selected from the group consisting of stream type information, databroadcast identification information, carousel identificationinformation, application identification information, transactionidentification information, DSI (DownloadServerInitiate) time-outinformation and DII (DownloadInfoIndication) time-out information. 13.The method of claim 9, the download estimated time extracting stepcomprising the steps of: parsing a DSI (DownloadServerInitiate) messagedelivering information on a DSM-CC group from the DSM-CC data; andextracting the download estimated time of a corresponding DSM-CC groupfrom the parsed DSI message.
 14. The method of claim 9, the downloadestimated time extracting step comprising the steps of: parsing a DII(DownloadServerIndication) message delivering information on a DSM-CCmodule from the DSM-CC data; and extracting the download estimated timeof a corresponding DSM-CC module from the parsed DII message.